Havanoscope IADC 2015

the international
amateur de cigare
2015
PARTAGAS 8-9-8:
THE HABANO OF THE YEAR
THE PANEL’S CHOICE

AND THEIR THUMBS DOWN
H. UPMANN
IN FINE FETTLE
The reference guide REVIEW OF ALL HABANOS
for all habanos,
in English for the
first time.
HISTORIC:
THE FALL OF
LUSITANIAS!
Printad LIGHTER aw_p.pdf 1 09/06/2014 2:10 PM
CONTENTS
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE PARTAGAS
4 50
TASTING OVERVIEW POR LARRAÑAGA

5 58
BOLIVAR PUNCH
6 59
COHIBA QUAI D’ORSAY

10 62
CUABA QUINTERO
18 64
DIPLOMATICOS RAFAEL GONZALEZ

21 66
EL REY DEL MUNDO RAMON ALLONES

22 68
FONSECA ROMEO Y JULIETA

23 70
H.UPMANN SAINT LUIS REY

78
25
HOYO DE MONTERREY SAN CRISTOBAL

DE LA HABANA
30
80
JUAN LOPEZ SANCHO PANZA

38 82
LA FLOR DE CANO TRINIDAD

40 83
LA GLORIA CUBANA VEGAS ROBAINA

41 85
MONTECRISTO VEGUEROS
43 87
The International Amateur de Cigare 3

THE HAVANOSCOPE 2015
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
RATINGS
Poor a
Average aa
Good aaa
Excellent aaaa
Exceptional aaaaa
HABANO 2015
This is the Cuban cigar of the year, as selected by the Havanoscope’s panel.
PANEL’S CHOICE
A mark of distinction for the cigars that particularly impressed us, either by their body or their range of flavors.
THUMBS DOWN
A black mark against certain cigars that are resting on their laurels and that have disappointed us.
PRICES
All prices stated are accurate when the Havanoscope went to print (October 2014).
They are subject to price increases during 2015.
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY IN EACH COUNTRY

We specify which country each cigar is found in and at what price. If a country is not mentioned,
that means the cigar is not officially marketed there.
ABBREVIATIONS USED
€ = Euro; £ = Pound sterling; FS = Swiss franc; CUC = convertible peso.
Benelux: The prices stated for Benelux apply to Belgium and the Netherlands.
For Luxemburg, allow for a 5% surcharge on average.
SIZES
In Cuban factories, cigars are divided into 80 categories by their size (diameter, length, and weight).
The “vitola de galera” (factory names) differ from the model names commonly used by aficionados.
In this edition, we have added them between brackets next to their common name.
4 The International Amateur de Cigare

TASTING OVERVIEW
panel’s choice 2015
Cohiba Esplendidos
Cohiba Robustos Supremos
H. Upmann Connoisseur N° 1
H. Upmann Magnum 46
H. Upmann Upmann N° 2
Juan Lopez Seleccion N° 1
Partagas 8-9-8
Partagas Seleccion Privada
Por Larrañaga Montecarlos
Ramon Allones Gigantes
Vegas Robaina Famosos
thumbs down 2015
Cohiba Panetelas
Vegas Robaina Don Alejandro
THE BIG WINNER THE BIG LOSER THE PANEL’S SPECIAL PRIZE
H. UPMANN. TRINIDAD. RAMON ALLONES.
With no fewer than three cigars chosen This brand, which is highly symbolic in Here we have rewarded coherence,
as the “Panel’s choice”, this is an the Cuban cigar landscape (the grand enthusiasm, and character.
exceptional year for H.Upmann. panatella was the legendary cigar With an extremely streamlined range
This historic manufacturer has shown that Fidel Castro offered his (just four cigars), the brand has proved
that hard work, know-how, and full distinguished guests), has fallen from that a small company is perfectly capable
flavor always pays off. grace. A shadow of its former self, it is of mixing it with the big boys – the
Nothing fancy, nothing bling-bling, no difficult to find a single Trinidad that Gigantes may well be the best double
fleeting ranges. In its own inimitable boats coherence and stability. corona currently available on the market.
style, H. Upmann has devoted itself to Its cigars no longer have the same Of course, Ramon Allones has a long
Cuban classicism and is the most reliable magnitude, and there are those that were history and a lot of experience, but its
of benchmarks. delisted with no real explanation or maturity and its ability
creations that don’t seem to make sense to surprise us are a joy to behold.
(the Vigia). Being a part of the
mythology of Cuban cigars from the very
start really seems to represent a
challenge. Staying at the top is no mean
feat. Trinidad is wavering on the edge.

BOLIVAR
BOLIVAR Bolivar
Belicosos Finos
C alm waters for this classic Cuban house. Most of the items presented
maintain their ratings and manage to remain average. All cigars are
above the one-ring mark. Yet, there is one loss: the – temporary ? –
140 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Figurado (campanas)
F : € 12 ; D : € 11,50 ; AND : € 7,98 ;
BNL: € 12,40 ; C :€ 5,95 (CUC 7,65) ;
downfall of the beautiful Coronas Gigantes Churchill. This downgrading
SP : € 10,20 ; GB : € 23,27 (£ 18,20) ;
causes Bolivar to lose one of its « five rings ». Nevertheless, the Petit I: € 12,80 ; P : € 11,60 ;
Coronas reassures us by climbing passed the average rating. One can only CH: € 13,25 (FS 16)
be appreciative of this well established brand, even though the products For experienced smokers
listed in its catalog are at times somewhat uniform and lacking in aromatic
AAA
complexity and depth.
The Finos looks
Bolivar The brand Bolivar was officially launched in 1921. But we have reasons to believe attractive with its dark,
that the label created by Fernández Rocha already existed at the beginning of the 20th century oily and nicely taut
(1901). Its name, a reference to the liberator of Latin America, was chosen for Cuba’s recent wrapper. The pre-light
emancipation of 1902. Between the two great wars, the brand is steered by Rafael Garcia. It experience is promising:
then owns nine properties, among them El Rosario, Violeta Cinetina and La Covadonga. damp vegetal notes with
Emblematic of the Cuban terroir, it enjoys a good reputation until 1944. That year, following in a hint of peat.
the footsteps of La Gloria Cubana, its fate turns with the Cifuentes takeover. Starting in 1960, Lights quickly,
the cigars will be made in the Partagas factory. The Limited Edition Super Coronas is born in producing plenty of
2014. smoke. Medium
strength.
Next the Bolivar releases
a woody bouquet
of flavors, becoming
increasingly roasted and
resinous. Pepper and
dark cocoa work well
together but without
imparting great
complexity.
A well-constructed but
very predictable habano.

BOLIVAR
Bolivar Bolivar Bolivar

Bolivar Tubos N° 1 Bolivar Tubos N° 2 Bolivar Tubos N° 3
142 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 125 mm × 34 (13,49 mm)
Corona (coronas) Petit corona (marevas) Demi-tasse (placeras)
F : € 10 ; D: € 10,30 ; F : € 8,60 ; D : € 8,50 ; F : € 5,80 ; D : € 6,10 ;
C :€ 5,41 (CUC 6,95) ; SP : € 7,90 ; C :€ 4,43 (CUC 5,70) ; C : € 3,19 (CUC 4,10) ;
GB : € 19,30 (£ 15,10) GB : € 15,98 (£ 12,50) ; GB : € 11,25 (£ 8,80) ; I : € 6,20
For all smokers CH : € 9,11 (FS 11) For all smokers
For all smokers
AA AAA
AA
Easy on the eye, this The pre-light flavors are
Bolivar is easy to light The Tubo N° 2 is a pleasant enough:
too. The first puffs good-looking, well rolled dry vegetal, spicy, and
impart grassy notes. cigar but it doesn’t sweet notes. This Tubo
The cigar then develops entirely deliver on its lights easily and doesn’t
without any real balance pre-light flavors. It lights start off too vigorously
or control. Its strength is up easily and the first despite its narrow shape.
wavering, producing puffs are marked by It is smooth from the off
slight notes of damp persistent harshness. with well-balanced
peat. The finish is linear. The next third is low on strength.
This Tubo N° 1 isn’t bad strength, bringing a few Resinous (cedar), spicy
but it doesn’t have any burnt notes and hints of (black pepper) and
real strengths. dry wood, but not roasted (coffee) flavors
Poor quality/price ratio. enough. The harshness mingle to form a
returns for the finale, tempting mix. The taste
which is linear and sensations may not be
muddled. inspired but they are
very pleasant
nonetheless.
A great little habano.

BOLIVAR
Bolivar Bolivar Bolivar

Coronas Gigantes Coronas Junior Petit Coronas
178 mm × 47 (18,65 mm) 110 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Churchill (julieta 2) Très petit corona (minutos) Petit corona (marevas)
F : € 13,70 ; D : € 14,50 ; AND : € 10,40 ; F : € 5,80 ; D : € 6,10 ; AND : € 3,51 ; F : € 7,50 ; D : € 7 ; AND : € 4,48 ;
BNL : € 15,60 ; C : € 7,66 (CUC 9,85) ; BNL : € 6,20 ; C : € 3,15 (CUC 4,05) ; C : € 2,96 (CUC 3,80) ; SP : € 6 ;
SP : € 10,90 ; GB : € 28,38 (£ 22,20) ; GB : € 12,78 (£ 10) GB : € 14,45 (£ 11,30) ; I : € 7,60 ;
CH : € 16,06 (FS 19,40) For all smokers CH : € 7,62 (FS 9,20)
For experienced to very For all smokers
experienced smokers AAA
AAAA
AAAA Pre-light, this very small
corona offers up woody This cigar for all seasons
Looking very sleek in its fragrances. It starts off is impressive right from
colorado claro wrapper, strong and lively and the the start with mellow
the Corona Gigante starts first puffs are woody and smoke imparting flavors
out pleasingly delicate. spicy. Then, notes of of precious wood and
Notes of mushroom cocoa bean and a few crushed hazelnut. Then
with traces of minerals floral touches add to this the earthiness creeps in.
set the pace. narrow yet nicely That’s when the Petit
This medium-strength balanced flavor profile. Corona assumes its true
habano soon mellows A shame about the Bolivar character,
into a lovely easy smoke. unrelenting bitterness. emanating flavors of
The complexity is A well-made cigar with tanned leather and wood.
evident in the second good draw, well-paced A slightly harsh finish,
third, where notes of and very lively. but satisfying overall.
fresh mocha creep in. Strong but not
With its milky aromas aggressive. Simplicity
and hints of pepper, this and expertise.
cigar positively purrs. A consummate
But the finish is more achievement.
muddled. Recommended.
Even with this hitch
– which can surely be
readjusted – this
Churchill is still a subtle,
classy smoke.

BOLIVAR
Bolivar Bolivar
Royal Coronas Super Coronas
124 mm × 50 (19,84 mm) Limited edition 2014
Robusto (robustos) 140 mm × 49 (19,45 mm)
F : € 10,20 ; D : € 9,60 ; AND : € 7,64 ; F : 14,50 € ; D : 13,50 € ; I : 11,40 € ;
BNL : € 10,80 ; C : € 4,90 (CUC 6,30) ; CH : 15,57 € (18,80 FS)
SP : € 10,85 ; GB : € 20,45 (£ 16) ; For experienced smokers
I : € 11,40 ; P : € 11,60 ;
CH : € 10,43 (FS 12,60) AAAA
For experienced to very
experienced smokers This corona gorda
boasts a handsome
AAAA A maduro-colorado
wrapper. Pre-light, it
A magnificent robusto, exudes hints of fresh
well designed and mushroom. The flavors
assembled with care. appear immediately with
A nice smooth opening smooth notes of dried
with caramelized notes fruit and wood. The
and touches of progression is well paced
underbrush and spice. and interesting and the
The flavors subsequently strength is under control.
become deeper and more Toasted flavors are
sophisticated: precious released, but as the
wood complemented smoke progresses this
by dark cocoa. Bolivar becomes more
A full-flavored, austere. Touches of dry
well-balanced and very earth and tangs
mellow (honeyed reminiscent of gunflint
fragrances) cigar. appear at the finish. Still
This Royal Corona is young, but a promising
extremely measured. cigar. For fans of classical
An excellent after-lunch cigars.
habano, whatever the
season!

COHIBA
COHIBA Cohiba
Coronas Especiales
S ometimes uneven, the luxurious Cohiba label is on a roll this year! It
gives us an outstanding performance. The savoring of these costly yet
delectable and well-groomed cigars has been delightful. The result? One
152 mm × 38 (15,08 mm)
Panatella (laguito n° 2)
F : 14,60 € ; D : 19 € ; AND : 12,40 € ;
decline (the Panetelas falls below average) but four progressions. The BNL : 17,60 € ; C : 9,88 € (12,70 CUC) ;
SP : 19,30 € ; GB : 27,74 € (21,70 £);
Esplandidos Churchill earns unanimous praises and secures a fifth crown. A
I : 17,60 € ; CH : 23,19 € (28 FS)
complex range, at times rich, full of flavors with millimeters-thin wrappers. For all smokers
In short, Cohiba definitely lives to its reputation this year. Bravo!
AAA
Cohiba Fidel Castro discovered this cigar by accident in 1963. At the time, it was only a fuma A panatella in an
– a term used by torcedores to designate the cigars they used for their own consumption – made impeccable maduro
by Eduardo Rivera. For almost a year, Rivera single handedly produced the Comandante’s cigars. wrapper offering pre-
Fidel Castro shared them with his cabinet members, among them the Che. Ernesto Guevara light touches of tea and
soon declared that he « had never smoked anything that good ». At the end of 1964, Rivera spices. The start is mild
became the first director of the Torcedores school where his máximo cigars were made. In 1966, and slightly woody.
the puros, until then known as Fidel’s cigars, were renamed Cohiba by Celia Sánchez, Castro’s Gradually supplemented
consigliere. The word means the tobacco plant in taino dialect. A few months later, the school by notes of pepper and
moved to El Laguito, a mansion Sánchez still occupies in the posh residential neighborhood of leather this pleasant cigar
Cubanacán. The lounges were turned into galeras. Along with Castro’s favorite long and thin then becomes stronger,
cigars, two more formats were created. In January 1970, the school became a full fledge factory. offering up touches of
But Cohiba waited until the end of the decade to be introduced on the market. Its international musk and fresh walnut.
launch happened in 1982. Six years later, three new vitolas complemented the brand. In 1992, Stays perfectly balanced
they were followed by the first five Siglos. The superb Siglo VI was introduced on the French right up to the finish.
market in 2004. In 2007, a new 3-sizes line, Maduro 5, was added. Besides being expensive, all Bursting with finesse and
Cohibas have one thing in common: the famous third fermentation of the leaves, which refines dynamism. Now’s the
the aroma and eliminates nitrous oxides products and tar excesses. In 2010, topping its time to try this
unequaled prestige, Cohiba surprised the cigar world by launching a trio called Behike BHK. A distinctively Cuban!
fourth leaf called Medio Tiempo harvested at the very top, above the ligero, enriches and
reinforces the liga. An amazing success story.

COHIBA
Cohiba Cohiba Cohiba

Esplendidos Exquisitos Lanceros
178 mm × 47 (18,65 mm) 126 mm × 33 (13,10 mm) 192 mm × 38 (15,08 mm)
Churchill (julieta 2) Petit panatella (seoane) Grand panatella
F : 25,10 € ; D : 31,50 € ; AND : 19,44 € ; F : 9,30 € ; D : 12,80 € ; AND : 7,44 € ; (laguito n° 1)
BNL : 31 € ; C : 13,96 € (17,95 CUC) ; BNL : 11 € ; C : 4,78 € (6,15 CUC) ; F : 18,50 € ; D : 21,80 € ; AND : 14,40 € ;
SP : 27,35 € ; GB : 49,60 € (38,80 £) ; SP : 11,30 € ; GB :16,49 € (12,90 £); BNL : 22 € ; C : 12,37 € (15,90 CUC) ;
I : 31,50€; P : 32 € ; I : 10 € ; SP : 22 € ; GB : 34,39 € (26,90 £) ;
CH : 36,77 € (44,40 FS) CH : 11,92 € (14,40 FS) I : 20,20 € ; CH : 26 € (31,40 FS)
For experienced to very For all smokers For experienced to very
experienced smokers experienced smokers
AAAA
AAAAA A A AA
A great performance for
an exceptionally This is a very
attractive short panatella, well-crafted habano.
A handsome, with its slender body and After pre-light notes of
well-crafted Churchill silky smooth maduro leather and spices comes
from Cohiba. The pre- wrapper. A pleasant a languid start. A
light flavors are mouthfeel with notes of combination of tanned
promising: precious black licorice and a hint leather, underbrush and
wood with fresh of red peppercorn. The hazelnut best described
mushroom. Lights ultra- flavor profile is nicely as «mellow». Subtle to
smoothly, very engaging. served by well-balanced begin with, the Cohiba
Then the grassy, spicy strength. Then the then becomes more
and sweet notes kick in. Exquisitos becomes full-bodied. The smoke
The smoke is thin and smooth and indulgent gets spicier with hints of
aromatic. Then it picks with the arrival of notes chocolate and pepper.
up the pace, seamlessly of chocolate and brioche. The flavors remain
spilling out notes of fresh An excellent little cigar rounded. Mild flavored
peat, mocha and a hint of with an impeccable draw but full strength, the
resin. Mellow and and perfect construction. Lancero really is a treat
sensual, the Esplendidos Bravo! for the taste buds.
is at the top of its game.
Treat yourself to this
splendidly suave work of
art.

COHIBA

Panetelas Piramides Extra Robustos
115 mm × 26 (10,32 mm) 160 mm × 54 (21,43 mm) 124 mm × 50 (19,84 mm)
Mini-panatella Figurado (pirámides) Robusto (robustos)
(laguito n° 3) F: 28,30 € ; D: 29,50 € ; AND: 19,90 € F : 16,50 € ; D : 19,40 € ; AND : 13 € ;
F : 8,90 € ; D : 10,70 € ; AND : 6,60 € ; BNL: 29,20 € ; C: 16,41 € (21,10 CUC) ; BNL : 18,40 € ; C : 10,58 € (13,6 CUC) ;
BNL : 10 € ; C : 5,02 € (6,45 CUC) ; SP: 25,75 € ; GB : 46,28 € (36,20 £) SP : 18,55 € ; GB : 32,73 € (25,60 £) ;
SP : 9,20 € ; GB : 13,68 € (10,70 £) ; I: 28,50 € ; P: 32 € ; I : 19 € ; P : 21 € ; CH : 22,19 € (26,80 FS)
CH : 9,94 € (12 FS) CH : 31,30 € (37,80 FS) ; For experienced to very
For all smokers For experienced smokers experienced smokers
AA AAAA AAAAA
A nice fat stogie In terms of aesthetics,
wrapped in a soft and what’s not to like?
It may bear a prestigious smooth maduro Perfect proportions, a
name, but this habano wrapper. Pre-light, we nice caramel wrapper,
very definitely lacks care. get spices and black tea. and tightly packed. With
It is often rolled too tight The draw is initially very pre-light notes of spices
making for a bad draw. loose, which is often the and dry wood. The first
The first few puffs are case with this type of few puffs are lively but
harsh and bitter. Once cigar. The smoke is smooth. Oodles of
this Panetelas finally abundant and aromatic smoke with notes of
loosens up, it offers up with notes of walnut wood and fresh hazelnut.
indulgent flavors of black husk and a hint of Then red peppercorn, a
licorice with the roasted pepper. In the second hint of wet earth and
touches characteristic of third this Cohiba tanned leather further
the brand. Sadly, the becomes more full- enhance the flavor
final third is flat. Very bodied, offering up profile. The overall feel is
over-priced for a quality scents of tanned leather warm and consistent but
level that is by no means and cocoa. The strength not dull. Superb burn
certain! What are they is measured throughout and draw.
playing at? a composed and Precision + power
sophisticated final third. + taste = a great habano.
Despite its impressive
size this is an engaging
habano with a likeable
personality!

COHIBA
Cohiba COHIBA LINEA 1492 Cohiba

Robustos Supremos The child 1492 isn’t as healthy as the Siglo II
Limited edition 2014 129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
127 mm × 58 (23,02 mm) parent. The brand seems to be under Petit corona (marevas)
Gros robusto (magnificos) water. None of its cigars rises. On the F : 10,50 € ; D : 12,90 € ; AND : 8,20 € ;
F : 37 € ; I : 33,50 € ; contrary, it suffers three major drops: the BNL : 12,50 € ; C : 7,12 € (9,15 CUC) ;
CH : 42,23 € (51 FS) SP : 11,80 € ; GB : 21,99 € (17,20 £) ;
Siglo IV, Siglo V and Siglo VI all lose their
For very experienced I : 13 € ; P :13,50 € ;
smokers fifth ring. This defeat is caused by blends CH : 15,07 € (18,20 FS)
that are both less deep and aromatic. It For experienced smokers
AAAAA may be that Linea 1492 has become dan-
AAA
gerously complacent and took its past
triumphs and high quality for granted. The Siglo II is not very
This cigar offers pre- The awakening will be hard. appealing with its dark,
light notes of barnyard rather drab and
and underbrush. The somewhat wrinkled
start is all creaminess, wrapper. The cold draw
with lashings of smoke offers up a few subdued
and sophisticated notes earthy notes.
of fresh mushroom and Fortunately, once lit, this
cocoa. Progressing cigar knows how to
gently, the Cohiba Cohiba make friends and
becomes richer with a influence people. The
hint of black licorice and Siglo I first puffs are full
pleasing woody aromas. 102 mm × 40 (15,87 mm) flavored and mellow
This habano is very well Très petit corona (perlas) with toasted hazelnut, a
balanced and full F : 9 € ; D : 9,70 € ; AND : 6,52 € ; hint of cocoa and woody
flavored to the end. The BNL : 9,10 € ; C :5,37 € (6,90 CUC) ; notes. Then the flavors
finish may be too strong SP :8,80 € ; GB : 16,36 € (12,80 £) ; become even richer -
for some, but it is a I : 10,20 € ; P : 10 € ; CH : 11,26 € (13,60 FS) spices, black coffee, hints
comforting and For all smokers of musk – making a full-
satisfying smoke. Great bodied smoke. The
panache. A coherent and AAA finish, although not
luxuriant smoke. Top particular complex, is
quality. Inviting pre-light flavors: tasty. Very nice to know.
musk and damp vegetal
with woody notes. It lights
easily and the first puffs
are full flavored with a
hint of spiciness. A nicely
distinctive flavor profile,
starting off resinous and
spicy, then developing a
musky, roasted character.
The overall effect is meaty
and intense. A slight
harshness (bitter touches)
prevents the Siglo I from
getting a higher rating. A
shame since with a few
adjustments it would be
above average.

COHIBA

Siglo III Siglo IV Siglo V
155 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 143 mm × 46 (18,26 mm) 170 mm × 43 (17,07 mm)
Grand corona Corona gorda Lonsdale (dalias)
(coronas grandes) (coronas gordas) F : 19,10 € ; D : 23,30 € ; AND : 14,40 € ;
F : 13 € ; D : 16 € ; AND : 9,80 € ; F : 14,80 € ; D : 18 € ; AND : 11,20 € ; BNL : 24 € ; C : 13,23 € (17 CUC) ;
BNL : 15,60 € ; C : 8,91 € (11,45 CUC) ; BNL : 17,60 € ; C : 10,07 € (12,95 CUC) ; SP : 21,60 € ; GB :37,58 € (29,40 £) ;
SP : 13,40 € ; GB : 28,51 € (22,30 £) ; SP : 16 € ; GB : 31,32 € (24,50 £) ; I : 22,80 € ; P : 25 € ;
I : 16,20 € ; P : 15,50 € ; I : 19,40 € ; P : 18,50 € ; CH : 26 € (31,40 FS)
CH : 17,55 € (21,20 FS) CH : 19,54 € (23,60 FS) For very experienced
For experienced to very For experienced to very smokers
experienced smokers experienced smokers
AAAA
AAAA A AAAA
This magnificent
This big corona with its This is a very Lonsdale boasts tasty
impeccable colorado well-crafted corona pre-light notes of white
claro wrapper and firm garda: a smooth, pepper, black tea and
feel has pre-light notes of perfectly filled and nicely peanut. A few bitter
moss and black licorice. taut colorado wrapper. touches at the start
The first few puffs are Enticing pre-light notes quickly fade away,
delicate and refined. This of mushroom and replaced by walnut husk,
cigar has a great flavor humus with a smooth hazelnut and leather. An
profile (hazelnut, cedar, and welcoming start. The abundance of spicy but
red peppercorn) and Siglo IV plays the mild smoke. Then the
becomes increasingly persistent woody card strength increases but
complex and full first. Then it gets earthier the flavors stay relatively
flavored, with hints of and more complex with linear. The finish
wet earth, peat and dried hints of pepper. – precious wood, hints of
fruit. Rich and sensual Increasingly satisfying. honey and caramel,
from the final third, the Well constructed, leather and pepper – is
Siglo III becomes even coherent and much richer and spicier.
richer with notes of progressive, it seems less Despite the rather late
leather and toast. The full-bodied than normal, recovery this is still
finish is satisfying as if the blend has been highly recommended
without being heavy. altered slightly. One to habano.
One of the best Cohibas watch.
around. A classic smoke
– highly recommended.

COHIBA
Cohiba COHIBA Cohiba Maduro 5

Siglo VI MADURO 5 Genios
150 mm × 52 (20,64 mm) 140 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Grand robusto (cañonazo) Grand robusto (estupendos)
F : 24,50 € ; D : 27 € ; AND : 17,60 € ;
The Maduro 5 line already took the Big F : 22 € ; D : 26 € ; AND : 15,40 € ;
BNL : 27 € ; C : 15,25 € (19,60 CUC) ; Winner award last year and is enjoying BNL:26 € ; C: 14,70 € (18,90 CUC );
SP : 23,60 € ; GB : 42,19 € (33 £) ; another lovely season. This subsidiary of SP:24,10 €; GB:41,29 € (32,30 £); I:23,20€ ;
I : 25,70 € ; P : 26,80 € ; P : 28 € ; CH : 28,65 € (34,60 FS)
Cohiba is rising with a second 5-rings
CH : 30,80 € (37,20 FS) For very experienced
For very experienced cigar (the Magicos Robusto). If the smokers
smokers Robusto catalog is very short, it is never-
theless perfectly coherent and very nicely AAAA A
AAAA put together. The cigars we tasted were
A very aesthetically
A great looking big beautifully crafted and especially aroma- pleasing cigar in a
robusto. Pre-light notes tic. One can only admire such a well-for- maduro wrapper. With
are woody and earthy. mulated cigar. A well deserved reputa- pre-light notes of peat,
The first puffs are wet earth and cocoa.
marked by a little tion. Then a full and
harshness, which fades welcoming start. This
quickly, and the smoke is cigar is rich and
full flavored and then indulgent with toasted,
mellow. Bold notes of mocha and bark flavors.
cedar and pepper, Full-bodied. Hints of
complimented by leather peat and hazelnut linger
and walnut. Yet more in the mouth and the
depth in the second third finish is very satisfying.
with hints of honey and We want more of this
cocoa. Then the cigar full-bodied, vigorous and
becomes a little full-flavored Cohiba!
unbalanced, with the
strength taking the upper
hand. Even with this
slight glitch, the Siglo VI
is still up there: complex
and flavorsome.

COHIBA
Cohiba Maduro 5 Cohiba Maduro 5 COHIBA

Magicos Secretos BEHIKE
115 mm × 52 (20,64 mm) 110 mm × 40 (15,87 mm)
Robusto (magicos) Petit corona (reyes) No changes for this opulent Cohiba
F : 19,90 € ; D : 23 € ;AND : 13,32 €; F : 9,50 € ; D : 12 € ; AND : 6,80 € ;
annex. With the Behike, we are in full
BNL:22,90€; C: 13,23 € (17 CUC) ; BNL : 11,40 € ; C: 6,57 € (8,45 CUC) ;
SP:19,85 €; GB:35,54 € (27,80 £) ; SP : 10,70 € ; GB : 18,79 € (14,70 £) ; luxury mode and the glorious Cuban
I : 20,20 € ; P : 23 € ; I : 11,20 € ; P : 12 € ; know-how. We find particularly well-
CH : 26,83 € (32,40 FS) CH : 13,08 € (15,80 FS) made, powerful, complex, aromatic
For very experienced For very experienced
smokers smokers
cigars designed for hardcore aficionados.
The BHK 52 and 54 (awarded the Habano
AAAAA AAA of the year in 2014) keep their five rings.
The BHK 56 ‘s quality is slightly inferior.
A very handsomely This cigar has a rather
presented robusto: a unpolished appearance Thanks to this line enjoying a well-establi-
gleaming, oily maduro in its dark maduro shed identity, Cohiba continues to
wrapper, supple to the wrapper. But the pre- demonstrate its creativity.
touch. Notes of bark on light draw is appetizing
the cold draw. A with pleasing notes of
deliciously deep start. leather and pepper and
With thick smoke the first puffs are lively
producing notes of and full-bodied, with
peppery underbrush the thick, ultra-spicy smoke.
Cohiba grows ever Then, as the strength
smoother and stronger. builds, surges of humus
Full flavored and long on and dark cocoa appear.
the palate. Cedar, red However, the Secretos
peppercorn and suint becomes excessively
make up the flavor strong in the final third,
profile. The finish is becoming heady and
satisfying and intense. A drying the mouth
masterful smoke for somewhat. A very (too?)
lovers of full-strength virile little cigar, not
cigars with personality. recommended for those
with sensitive palates.

COHIBA
Cohiba Behike Cohiba Behike Cohiba Behike

BHK 52 BHK 54 BHK 56
119 mm × 52 (20,64 mm) 144 mm × 54 (21,43 mm) 166 mm × 56 (22,22 mm)
Robusto (laguito n° 4) Grand robusto (laguito n° 5) Gros robusto (laguito n° 6)
F : 28 € ; D : 31 € ; AND : 21,60 € ; F : 37 € ; D : 41 € ; AND : 25,60 € ; F: 41 € ; D : 45 € ; AND : 28,80 € ;
BNL : 29,20 € ; C :17,19 € (22,10 CUC) ; BNL : 37 € ; C : 22,72 € (29,20 CUC) ; BNL : 42 € ; C : 24,74 € (31,80 CUC) ;
SP: 28,95 € ; I : 31 € ; SP: 34,30 € ; I : 35 € ; SP: 38,50 € ; GB : 64,56 € (50,50 £);
GB : 43,72 € (34,20 £) ; P : 35 € ; GB : 57,40 € (44,90 £) ; P : 41 € ; I : 38 € ; P : 45 € ;
CH : 34,78 € (42 FS) CH : 45,29 € (54,70 FS) CH : 49,27 € (59,50 FS)
For very experienced For very experienced For very experienced
smokers smokers smokers
AAAA A AAAA A AAAA

What’s not to love about Voted the best habano The 56 looks imposing
this classy robusto in IADC no.7, the and the opening is nice
finished with an BHK 54 is true to its and smooth. The smoke
attractive perilla? You reputation. The pre-light evokes fragrances of
can’t help but admire its experience offers precious wood. Then a
smooth and perfect powerful fragrances of more organic flavor
shape and maduro black licorice and suint. profile emerges: green
colorado hue with a After lighting, the cigar peppercorn, damp
caramel sheen. The cold quickly becomes full- vegetal and toast. Tastes
draw boasts notes of bodied yet remains linger impressively and
strong spices and velvety subtle. Woody and flavor intensity ramps
wood. The cigar starts up mushroom notes cascade up, though still mellow.
quickly with great out. Soon the cigar This habano is
billows of smoke. Then becomes stronger, with immediately satisfying. A
the focus is a full and notes of humus, bark little lacking in aromatic
sophisticated blend of and cocoa adding to the complexity in the final
flavors: cedar, wet earth complexity. Still very third but a great piece
and spices with hints of well balanced, this nonetheless. A top notch
toast and cocoa. Cohiba has great depth. cigar.
Irresistible. A luxurious, The finish is exacting
exquisite, and spirited and requires a certain
smoke. An exceptional «smoking expertise». The
cigar. BHK 54 is a high level
smoke; perfectly
balanced with a pleasant
lingering aftertaste.
What consummate skill!
A shining example of
craftsmanship.

CUABA
CUABA Cuaba Cuaba

Diademas Distinguidos
E ntirely dedicated to figurados,
this line has both good and not
so good properties: a Diademas with
233 mm × 55 (21,83 mm)
Figurado (diademas)
F : 22 € ; AND: 14,30 €; BNL : 27 € ;
162 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Figurado (romeo)
F : 11,50 € ; D : 15,30 € ;
C : 15,17 € (19,50 CUC) ; SP: 19,15 € ; C :6,85 € (8,80 CUC) ;
a five-rings grade and a rising
GB: 47,04 € (36,80 £) ; P : 26 € ; GB :27,61 € (21,60 £) ; I : 14,40 € ;
Generosos. Nevertheless, the CH : 31,63 € (38,20 FS) CH : 17,14 € (20,70 FS)
Exclusivos (suffering from a decline) For experienced to very For all smokers
are losing steam, like the experienced smokers
Tradicionales. In the end, the Cuaba AAA
AAAAA
brand seems to be floating. Their The overall look is
cigars are nondescript and lack This giant Cuaba is appealing: the golden
personality. The label’s bet is far impressive to look at. wrapper is thin but firm
The cold draw offers to the touch. Pre-light,
from being won. It will need to be notes of black tea with a we get a hint of cocoa. A
more assertive to distinguish itself. few citrus touches. The smooth start and very
first puffs may seem soon some classy flavors
Cuaba Borrowed from the taino dialect, the insubstantial. The flavor (fresh hazelnut, precious
name Cuaba designates a kind of wood reputed profile is carefully built wood, cocoa bean). The
for its draw. Launched in England in 1996, the around vegetal and spicy next third is very
label is the product of a bet made by the mana- notes, moving on to pleasant, with indulgent
gement team of Habanos S.A, who wanted to tanned leather. The notes of precious wood,
reinvent the figurados, particularly popular in strength builds and the wet earth and dry
England in the 19th century. The technique scent of mushrooms and vegetal. Sadly the
used to roll these cigars was very particular. sweet flavors creep in. strength ceases to
To teach it, Habanos hired the famous Romeo After an excellent enhance the flavor
y Julieta torcedor Juan Carlos Izquierdo González. progression, this largest profile and the finish is
Two imposing formats, the Salomon and the of the Cuebas finishes slightly astringent and
Diademas were created in 2002 to help revive with a woody, roasted difficult. Too bad! Not a
a brand so particular that it has a hard time flavor profile. A very fashionable habano
finding success. The Piramides, Limited Edition pleasantly persistent but worth a try.
2008 followed them. aftertaste, full and rich.
What more can you ask?

CUABA
Cuaba Cuaba Cuaba

Divinos Exclusivos Generosos
101 mm × 43 (17,07 mm) 145 mm × 46 (18,26 mm) 132 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Figurado (petit bouquet) Figurado (exquisitos) Figurado (generosos)
F : 6 € ; D : 6,10 € ; AND : 3,98 € ; F : 8,80 € ; D : 9,90 € ; AND : 6,22 € ; F : 7 € ; C : 3,93 € (5,05 CUC) ;
BNL : 6,20 € ; C : 3,11 € (4 CUC) ; C : 5,06 € (6,50 CUC) ; SP : 7,95 € ; P : 9 €
SP : 5,80 € ; GB :11,89 € (9,30 £) ; GB : 20,71 € (16,20 £) ; P : 10,40 € ; For all smokers
I : 6,80 € ; P : 6,40 € ; CH : 9,77 € (11,80 FS)
CH : 6,13 € (7,40 FS) For all smokers AAA
For all smokers
AA This figurado, wrapped
AA in smooth, nicely taut
The Exclusivos is visually maduro wrapper, offers
A pleasant-looking little pleasing: a nicely rolled pre-light touches of wet
Figurado, despite its colorado wrapper, hay and spice. The draw
somewhat dull wrapper smooth to the touch and may seem hard at first
and rough feel. Rather well filled. The cold draw due to it sometimes
light on the cold draw features sawdust. Lights being rolled too tight.
but nicely woody. A quickly, dry but pleasant. But once it breaks free,
straightforward start The flavors dabble with this habano produces
with attractive notes of precious wood, bark and lovely, resinous, earthy
precious wood, though red peppercorn. flavors then evolving
sadly soon tinged with Progression is minimal. into a more roasted
bitterness. Despite the The cigar lacks flavor profile (coffee,
arrival of touches of smoothness, depth of toasted hazelnut) but still
tanned leather and flavor and complexity. with underlying earthy
roasted coffee, overall it’s The result is a somber notes. Without being
a thin smoke and a little and bland finish. Too spectacular, our
harsh on the finish. Not austere and too hollow, Generosos is a real go-
a lot going on with this this Cueba needs a getter. One to watch.
habano, and the blend makeover.
will certainly need some
work.

CUABA
Cuaba Cuaba Cuaba

Piramides Salomon Tradicionales
2008 Limited Edition 184 mm × 57 (22,62 mm) 120 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
156 mm × 52 (20,64 mm) Figurado (salomon) Figurado (favoritos)
Figurado (piramides) F : 14,70 € ; D : 20,40 € ; AND : 11,35 € ; F : 6,30 € ; D : 7,10 € ; AND : 4,60 € ;
F : 18,30 € ; BNL : 20 € ; C : 11,67 € (15 CUC) ; C : 3,62 € (4,65CUC); SP :7 € ;
C: 8,17 € (10,50 CUC) ; SP: 15,10 € ; GB : 43,98 € (34,40 £) ; GB : 14,45 € (11,30 £) ; I : 7,20 € ;
GB : 35,79 € (28 £) P : 18 € ; CH : 22,19 € (26,80 FS) P : 7,60 € ; CH : 6,96 € (8,40 FS)
For experienced smokers For experienced to very For all smokers
experienced smokers
AAAA AAA
AAAA
After an enterprising This short figurado, well
start with a perfect draw, The sheer size of the filled inside its colorado
this cigar offers up Salomon is impressive. A wrapper, has light grassy
woody and spicy notes. good pre-light notes on the cold draw.
Full strength but not experience: underbrush, No great depth at the
overwhelming. The spices, humus and peat. start (its construction
second third is more The first few puffs are doesn’t really encourage
sophisticated and gives smooth and rounded. one to take great big
out very elegant grassy Flowing serenely, puffs from the outset),
flavors and aromas of unhurriedly, the mellow later it develops notes of
peat and pepper. Then aromatic smoke is very tanned leather and
increasingly earthy, after rich. Precious wood, red precious wood. The
a few toasted notes, the peppercorn, toast and smoke is mild and light.
cigar delivers a dark cocoa are the key The strength is well
grandstand finish. A notes in the symphony. channeled, creating a
genial cigar that just Though a little linear, woody atmosphere
lacks a little creativity in this Cuaba is nonetheless accented with peppery
the final third. a choice cigar, hints. A satisfying and
unfaltering and full of balanced smoke, but too
flavor. simplistic. A touch more
passion please!

DIPLOMATICOS
DIPLOMATICOS Diplomaticos
N° 2
T his brand manages to survive with a very small
catalog. A child of the Montecristo house, it
hasn’t changed much. The N° 2 obus (« coup de
156 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Figurado (piramides)
F : 10,70 € ; BNL: 11,40 € ;
C : 5,83 (7,50 CUC) ;
cœur » 2014) is still well received even though it
GB : 23,65 € (18,50 £) ;
seems stuck in an average range. We don’t see CH : 11,76 € (14,20 FS)
how Diplomaticos could rival the other Cuban For experienced smokers
labels. Its only merit is to exist.
AAA
Diplomaticos The label was created in 1966 as a replica This attractive cigar,
of the Montecrito brand. First produced for the French market, with its veined, rustic
it started with five formats identical to the Montecristos N° 1 wrapper starts with
to N° 5. Ten years later, 6s and 7s which production was soon grassy notes. The smoke
stopped followed them. Today, only the N° 2 survives. Diplomaticos arrives quickly thanks to
are rather sleepy. a good draw. Already
medium-strength, the
first third is quite
intense. The progress is
measured. The flavor
profile is more and more
woody, with notes of
black pepper, and a little
peat and warm coffee.
Despite real dynamism,
overall it is monotonous
although not lacking in
roundness. The finish is
spicy, robust, and a tad
invasive. A good smoke
– a real tryer.

EL REY DEL MUNDO
EL REY DEL MUNDO El Rey del Mundo

Demi Tasse
N o major changes for this old brand. The three cigars presented – their
number have shrunk noticeably lately – main average. With its
wooded, nicely aromatic, easy to smoke cigars, El Rey del Mundo keeps its
100 mm × 30 (11,91 mm)
Mini-panatella (entreactos)
F : 3,50 € ; D : 4 € ; AND : 2,20 € ;
position. No surprise there. Last year, we were already mentioning the C : 1,83 € (2,35 CUC) ; SP : 2,40 € ;
GB : 6,78 € (5,30 £) ; CH :4,14 € (5 FS)
stalling, which could turn out to be lethal. The brand should be more
For all smokers
dynamic and show more conviction. It still enjoys a good reputation. It
would be a pity to let it fade. AA
A mini panatella with a
El Rey del Mundo The brand is rumored to have been created in 1848 by Emilio Ohmstedt, simple square body and
a German merchant who also started the Sancho Panza label. In 1882, it became the property rather dull colorado
of Antonio Allones – Ramón’s brother. Ambitious and megalomaniac, he wished to be renowned maduro wrapper. The
both for the quality and the high prices of his products. He also wanted his label to become first puffs release a subtle
« the king of the world ». He dreamed of traveling the five continents carried by animals as set of toasted and
varied as an elephant, a camel, a ram, a donkey and a horse wearing multicolor feathers. A hazelnut flavors.
token of his power, the vista will accompany the brand’s meteoric rise. After having taken part Medium strength, a little
in the protests against the American invasion of 1905, Antonio Allones ceded the label to the restrained, despite a very
Diaz brothers, who sold it in 1918 to an… American company. El Rey del Mundo Cigar Company loose draw. This habano
also owned Rafael Gonzalez and Sancho Panza. The brand’s popularity and prestige will remain has an uneven burn and
high until the late 70s. In spite of a rather minimalist catalog, El Rey del Mundo remains one lacks structure. Despite
of the great names among Cuban Cigars. some woody fragrances,
the strength wavers and
overall it’s rather
monotonous. The blend
could do with an
upgrade to give this
Demi-Tasse a bit of
character.

FONSECA
FONSECA Fonseca
Cosacos
T his unassuming Cuban brand is
not in top shape. Fonseca finds it
hard to shine when it comes to
135 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Corona (cosacos)
F : 4,70 € ; D : 5,65 € ; AND : 3,32 € ;
aroma and flavor. Too often, the BNL : 5 € ; C : 2,96 € (3,80 CUC) ;
SP : 4,65 € ; GB : 15,21 € (11,90 £) ;
cigars offered are timid. Most of the
CH : 5,63 € (6,80 FS)
catalog habanos are below average For all smokers
– the lonsdale N° 1 loses two rings
this year. The Fonsecas are AA
nevertheless very well rolled, and
On removing the silky
generally have smooth and neat paper cover, we reveal a
wrappers. Their prices stay low, a thin, drab maduro
real asset, as budgets are wrapper but a well filled
body. The cold draw
increasingly tight serves up leather and
spice. Lights briskly and
Fonseca Founded in 1891 by Francisco the first puffs are on the
Fonseca, the brand was first produced by a rough side with rather
small Havana factory. Poet Federico García overpowering smoke.
Lorca celebrated it: « I will go to Santiago with The initial emphasis is
the blond head of a Fonseca… » Francisco vegetal, then shifting to a
Fonseca is responsible for wrapping the cigar woodier accent but
in a very thin Japan leaf and presenting it in without depth of flavor.
individual tubes. He also came up with the The structure leaves
idea of creating a tasting room in his factory. much to be desired at
Thus his customers got to taste different blends times. Not a lot of clout
chosen for them. The brand specialized in the or appeal in this Fonseca.
production of cigars for banquets, parties, clubs, Post-coffee only.
etc. Today, four formats are available under
the Fonseca brand.

FONSECA
Fonseca Fonseca Fonseca

Delicias KDT Cadetes N° 1
123 mm × 40 (15,87 mm) 115 mm × 36 (14,29 mm) 162 mm × 43 (17,07 mm)
Petit corona (standard) Petit panatella (cadetes) Lonsdale (cazadores)
F : 2,90 € ; D : 3,35 € ; AND : 1,98 € ; F : 3 € ; D : 3,25 € ; AND : 1,94 € ; F : 6,60 € ; D : 7,30 € ; AND : 3,98 € ;
C : 1,71 € (2,20 CUC); SP : 2,75 € ; BNL : 3,40 € ; C : 1,67 € (2,15 CUC) ; BNL : 6,90 € ; C : 3,89 € (5 CUC) ;
I : 3,60 € ; P: 3 € SP : 2,65 € ; GB : 9,08 € (7,10 £) ; SP : 6,25 € ; GB :19,56 € (15,30 £) ;
Short filler I : 3,40 € ; P : 2,90 € CH : 6,96 € (8,40 FS)
For all smokers For all smokers For all smokers
A AA AA
Not very aesthetically This short panatella, Pre-light, we pick up
appealing (rough-veined, wrapped in thin filmy notes of sawdust and
darkish wrapper with a paper seems to suffer earth. A tentative and
hard feel), this small from inconsistent very measured start.
corona doesn’t thrill the production – the draw Notes of cork and dried
palate either. Although on some of those tested fruit appear but don’t
the draw and burn seem was too firm. The start is really mark the palate.
good, the tone is pleasant, quick and Gradually a woodier
essentially vegetal; wet lively. Flavors of earth character is established
grass with a few toasted and wood mingle. This (cedar). The strength is
and roasted notes. habano then becomes very subdued and the
Overall a poor smoke increasingly earthy and smoke could be thicker.
that lacks spirit. The peaty. Medium strength, Attractive hints of
strength is under par and but well balanced. Not hazelnut creep in but
doesn’t manage to ostentatious, very progression is poor. In
breathe life into this “not simplistic, not very the final third the
so delicious” Delicias. complex, but far from strength falters, leading
unpleasant. to excessive bitterness
and a muddled finish.

H.UPMANN
H. UPMANN H. Upmann H. Upmann

Connoisseur N° 1 Coronas Junior
A new wind blows on the
venerable H. Upmann house. If
almost all cigars of the catalog were
127 mm × 48 (19,05 mm)
Robusto (hermosos n° 4)
115 mm × 36 (14,29 mm)
Petit panatella (cadetes)
F : 9,60 € ; D : 9,30 € ; AND : 7,20 € ; F : 4 € ; D : 5,10 € ; AND : 2,79 € ;
able to maintain their grades, BNL : 10 € ; C : 4,90 € (6,30 CUC) ; BNL : 5 € ; C : 2,68 € (3,45 CUC) ;
GB : 20,58 € (16,10 £) ; I : 10,80 € ; SP: 3,70 € ; GB : 10,35 € (8,10 £) ;
pleasant surprises are also
P : 10,30 € ; CH : 10,60 € (12,80 FS) I : 5,60 € ; P : 4,70 €
increasingly common. Thus we For experienced to very For all smokers
salute the Connoisseur N° 1 and the experienced smokers
Magnum 50, as magnificent as the AA
Magnum 46 and the Upmann N° 2, AAAA A
Very firm to the touch,
which now both belong to the five- the sign of a tight fill.
rings club! Six of the vitolas were The first puffs reveal
given the best grade. A no-fault What a looker! A sporty, floral and woody flavors.
box-pressed cigar Strong and lively, sadly
trajectory for this very classic label enveloped in a delicately its progression is
which received three « coups de veined maduro wrapper. extremely linear. The
cœur ». Instead of living quietly off Appetizing pre-light strength builds, with
its reputation, the brand cultivates flavors: damp vegetal, notes of black pepper
brioche/sweet, fresh appearing, but it soon
both its wealth and personality. spices. A full-bodied and becomes a little bitter
steady start. Initial and muddled, all because
H. Upmann The adventure started in Brême, woody/spicy notes make it’s rolled too tightly and
Germany, where August and Hermann Upmann way for a roasted, the liga is lacking in
(or Hupmann) were born and raised. The brothers resinous character. This coherence. Not much to
left for Cuba in 1843 and opened a factory one habano is both sensual like overall. Hard work.
year later in a low-rent locale Calle San Miguel with a hint of exoticism.
in Havana. By 1981, they had acquired major With musky notes on the
interests in banking. Their newfound wealth finish (suint, barnyard),
allowed them to move to a new building calle this is a smooth, complex
Carlos III, one of the capital’s busiest streets. and very well balanced
Two hundred employees worked there. The smoke that retains a kind
family managed the brand and the company of delicate creaminess up
until 1924. That year, the Upmanns were forced to the very last moment.
to relinquish the control to a British firm, A true masterpiece.
Frankau S.A. In 1937, the Menéndez y García
brothers acquired H. Upmann. They reorganized
the factory and started producing their recently
launched Montecristo brand there. In 1944,
they proceeded to build the Amistad building
where the brand stayed until 2003. That year,
it moved to the Velado neighborhood, in a
renovated building once occupied by the Partagas
cigarettes factory. Construction forced the
brand to move again, this time Calle Belascoaín,
in a charming if old warehouse that used to
house Romeo y Julieta. There is a new limited
series: the Upmann N° 2 Reserva.

H.UPMANN
H. Upmann H. Upmann H. Upmann

Coronas Major Coronas Minor Epicures
132 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 117 mm × 40 (15,87 mm) 110 mm × 35 (13,89 mm)
Corona (eminentes) Petit corona (coronitas) Demi-tasse (epicures)
F : 6,10 € ; D : 6 € ; AND : 3,80 € ; F : 4,40 € ; D : 5,60 € ; AND : 3,04 € ; F : 3,10 € ; AND : 2,30 € ;
BNL : 6 € ; C : 3,07 € (3,95 CUC) ; C : 2,84 € (3,65 CUC) ; C :1,87 €; (2,40 CUC) ; SP : 3 € ;
SP: 4,75 € ; GB : 17,51 € (13,70 £) ; GB : 14,45 € (11,30 £) ; P : 5 € P : 3,50 €
P : 6 € ; CH : 6,62 € (8 FS) For all smokers For all smokers
For all smokers
AA AA
AAA
The Coronas Minor has The Epicures has a rustic
Rather dull in a classical style with its look with its
appearance with a lightly smooth and well-rolled insufficiently oily
veined maduro wrapper. colorado maduro maduro wrapper. Soft to
Nice pre-light notes of wrapper. The first puffs the touch. The first puffs
spices and black licorice. are promising with notes are well structured
A little harshness at the of precious wood and – woody with hints of
start that soon fades. freshly dug earth, but pepper – but the strength
From then on the flavor sadly the rest is very develops in fits and starts
profile is predominantly disappointing. The and its energy is poorly
woody with black strength is poorly channeled. There’s a
licorice. In the second channeled and escalates clear hint of leather
third, toasted and too fast, with the habano halfway through but this
roasted flavors dominate, offering just a few toasty H. Upmann really
but the woody base notes and roasted notes tinged overheats. The
remain very pronounced. with harshness and previously inadequate
Overall, this is a dynamic bitterness. The finish is strength then picks up,
smoke, lacking in linear and very muddled. but goes too far, making
persistence but well This H. Upmann needs a the finish aggressive.
paced. Beware of full makeover. Needs work.
production
inconsistencies with this
Major.

H.UPMANN

Half Corona Magnum 46 Magnum 50
90 mm × 44 (17,46 mm) 143 mm × 46 (18,26 mm) 160 mm × 50 (19,84 mm)
Très petit corona Corona gorda Grand robusto (magnum 50)
(half corona) (coronas gordas) F : 14,30 € ; D : 13 € ; AND : 9,40 € ;
F : 4,30 € ; D: 4,30 € ; AND : 2,84 € ; F : 12,50 € ; D : 10,60 € ; AND : 7,80 € ; BNL : 14 € ; C: 6,81 € (8,75 CUC);
BNL: 4,20 € ; C: 2,72 € (3,50 CUC) ; BNL : 11,40 € ; C : 5,64 € (7,25 CUC) ; SP : 12,75 € ; GB : 28,38 €; (22,20 £) ;
SP: 3,70 € ; GB : 11,38 € (8,90 £) ; SP :10,50 € ; GB : 22,50 € (17,60 £) ; I : 12,80 € ; P : 14,20 € ;
I: 4,60 € ; P: 4,55 € ; I : 11,80 € ; P : 11,75 € ; CH : 15,07 € (18,20 FS)
CH : 4,31 € (5,20 FS) CH : 12,59 € (15,20 FS) For very experienced
For all smokers For experienced smokers smokers
AAA AAAAA AAAA A

Aesthetically pleasing, This huge robusto is
neat and well rolled in its rather imposing. The
chocolate wrapper, and The pre-light draw pre-light flavors are
perfectly filled. This cigar features a little leather appetizing with lovely
comes bursting out of and bark. Once lit, this is notes of wood, spice, and
the starting blocks, with one classy cigar, offering cocoa. The start also lives
woody and spicy notes an aromatic cocktail of up to expectations: the
exploding in the mouth. underbrush, humus and first puffs are full
Full-bodied and full fresh mocha. The flavored and very
strength. Then the strength builds in a very pleasant. The woody
flavors (wood, black measured way. Then it flavor profile is delicate,
pepper, dried fruit) becomes really rounded enlivened by touches of
become less rounded. and creamy (oak bark). pepper, soon joined by
The strength becomes a The strength builds right hints of underbrush,
little too overwhelming, up to a rich and cocoa bean and fresh
spoiling the last few full-flavored finale (peat, peat. A fine, balanced,
puffs. A shame because cocoa, roasted coffee) yet and sensual smoke: a real
this H. Upmann could manages to stay smooth delight. The final third is
certainly be a cut above. and easy. An excellent more full-bodied.
habano. Exceptional aftertaste
persistence with notes of
coffee, oak bark and a
touch of tanned leather.
What a winner!
Unmissable.

H.UPMANN

Majestics Petit Coronas Regalias
140 mm × 40 (15,87 mm) 129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Corona (cremas) Petit corona (marevas) Petit corona (petit coronas)
F: 4,20 € ; D : 4,50 € ; BNL : 4,20€ ; F : 7,40 € ; D : 7 € ; BNL : 7,20 € ; F : 3,80 € ; D : 4,80 € ; AND : 2,86 € ;
C : 2,29 € (2,95 CUC) ; C : 3,66 € (4,70 CUC) ; SP : 6 € ; C :2,41 € (3,10 CUC) ; I : 4,60 € ; P : 5,25 €
GB : 12,27 € (9,60 £) GB : 14,57 € (11,40 £) ; P : 6,85 €; For all smokers
For all smokers CH : 8,11 € (9,80 FS)
For all smokers AA
AAA
AAAA The cold draw brings
The pre-light draw touches of mown hay.
reveals spicy tastes that The wrapper on this The first few puffs
leave a slight harshness Petit Coronas is a little impart an agreeable mix
on the tongue. This crude but it’s a well filled of roasted coffee and
modest Majestics gets off cigar. Pre-light aromas toasted hazelnut, but are
to a nice full-bodied start are woody and peppery. also apt to be rather
with notes of leather, After a strong, smooth bitter. A predominantly
spices and wet grass. opening, the range of woody-vegetal flavor
When the strength settles flavors kicks in with then dominates. Strength
we get wood, leather and spices and dried fruit. shifts up a gear and the
toasted flavors. The And as the strength overall effect can seem
finish is linear. A quietly builds we get an unbalanced. Inconsistent
assured habano with a appetizing cocktail of production doesn’t do
slightly outdated flavor cedar and dark cocoa this Regalia any favors.
profile. Excellent value dusted with pepper. The Not much panache, but
for money. strength is measured, decent enough when
although the flavors production is up to
become strained on the scratch.
finish: tanned leather,
precious wood, roasted
touches. This very
acceptable habano means
business.

H.UPMANN

Sir Winston Upmann N° 2 Upmann N° 2
178 mm × 47 (18,65 mm) 156 mm × 52 (20,64 mm) Reserva
Churchill (julieta 2) Figurado (piramides) 156 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
F : 18,40 € ; D : 19 € ; AND : 12 € ; F : 11,20 € ; D : 12 € ; AND : 8,20 € ; Figurado (piramides)
BNL : 21 € ; C : 10,31 € (13,25 CUC) ; BNL : 11,40 € ;C : 6,34 € (8,15 CUC) ; F : 34 € ; I : 32 €
GB : 35,79 € (28 £) ; SP : 11,80 € ; GB : 26,33 € (20,60 £) ; For very experienced
I : 20,80 € ; P : 18,75 € ; I : 13,40 € ; P : 13 € ; smokers
CH : 22,85 € (27,60 FS) CH : 13,41 € (16,20 FS)
For very experienced For very experienced AAAAA
smokers smokers
The pre-light experience
AAAA A AAAAA is enticing, with earthy
and woody notes. A nice
A square shaped cigar easy, flowing start with
with a dark chocolate rich, creamy smoke. Full
wrapper and a distinctly Aesthetically faultless. flavored: a mix of mocha
classical look. This The pre-light draw offers and spices with a hint of
H. Upmann is promising notes of tanned leather. All
immediately reassuring, leather and spices. A full- perfectly executed and
an impression confirmed bodied and rich start. balanced. Then roasted
on lighting Abundant smoke flavors interwoven with
(sophisticated first imparts flavors of dark chocolate and
puffs). Notes of cedar, precious wood, black pepper develop for a
wet earth and pepper pepper and cocoa. Then mellower, more
spill out in smooth the smoking experience sophisticated taste. The
succession. Full strength gets more rounded, increasing strength
but very balanced becoming mellow, culminates in a
overall. The tempo is smooth and sumptuous finale. A
perfectly controlled with sophisticated. The charismatic, dynamic,
smooth cocoa arriving to roasted and underbrush inventive and full-
complement toast and notes intensify, followed flavored cigar. A true
white pepper. This by dark cocoa, tanned work of art. Incredible
majestic Sir Winston is leather and suint. Full craftsmanship!
suave, dynamic and strength but not
bewitching. One of the excessive. This Upmann
best habanos around. N° 2 is a consistently
satisfying heavyweight.
Fans of harnessed power
should go out and buy it!

HOYO DE MONTERREY
Hoyo de
HOYO DE MONTERREY Monterrey
Churchills
T his beacon of a brand was in a relatively good shape last season. It is not
at the top of its game this year, in spite of the new, innovative Hoyo de
San Juan. Only the Epicure N°1 seems to be strong while other items (the
178 mm × 47 (18,65 mm)
Churchill (julieta 2)
F : 13,60 € ; AND : 9,10 € ;
Churchills and the Double Coronas) lose steam. The label still enjoys its aura C : 6,61 € (8,50 CUC) ; SP : 14,95 € ;
GB : 29,27 € (22,90 £) ;
but doesn’t have a five-rings cigar. In short, disappointing results for Hoyo.
CH : 16,06 € (19,40 FS)
It will have to show more enthusiasm and aromatic richness to stay in the For experienced smokers
race.
AAA
Hoyo de Monterrey Together, José Gener, Zino Davidoff and Hoyo De Monterrey embody Looks beautiful. The
more than one hundred years of history. At the origin of the brand is an unrelenting, fiercely first few puffs are
ambitious, autocratic Catalan. José Gener is thirteen years old when he emigrates to Cuba. He smooth and polished.
is thirty-three in 1851 when he partners with his uncle to start his own factory and create his The strength is very
new brand La Escepción (thus spelled by its owners when they patent it), soon a resounding contained but then
success. Gener then buys a famous vega, Hoyo de Monterrey, in the municipality of San Juan y adequate, producing
Martínez – the gate is still there. In 1867, he parts way with his uncle to start a company bearing vintage touches of
his name, with his brothers. Together, they launch Hoyo de Monterrey. The brand has a particularity: precious wood and oaky
the coat of arms of its customers sometimes appear on the rings. Three years go by before the moss. A great opening
tyranical Gener decides to fly solo at the helm of José Gener y Batet. His brothers are demoted but then it becomes less
to the rank of simple employees. José will remain the sole director for the next 30 years and will convincing: lacks punch
commercialize Hoyo de Monterrey, José Gener and La Escepción in the US. When he dies in 1900, and the sweet flavors
the Hoyo de Monterrey factory is the largest in Cuba, employing 350 people and producing more (toast, chocolate, spices)
than fifty millions cigars per year. His widow, then his daughter, take over before the company are too subdued.
is sold to Ramón Fernández and Fernando Palacio, who already own Punch and Belinda. Surprising, as this Hoyo
In the 40s, the Hoyo de Monterrey brand will elaborate the famous cigars with Bordeaux really could do better.
vineyards names (Margaux, Lafite, Latour, Haut-Brion and Yquem) for Zino Davidoff. The Better luck next time...
Châteaux Hoyo de Monterrey series will adopt the Davidoff name in 1967. Presented this year
in Cuba, the last born of this great Cuban label, the Hoyo de San Juan, is made of filler leaves
grown in the macro-terroir of San Juan, in the Vuelta Abajo region.

HOYO DE MONTERREY
Hoyo de Hoyo de Hoyo de

Monterrey Monterrey Monterrey
Coronations Double Coronas Epicure Especial
129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 194 mm × 49 (19,45 mm) 141 mm × 50 (19,84 mm)
Petit corona (petit coronas) Double corona Grand robusto (gorditos)
F : 5 € ; D : 6,30 € ; C : 3,03 € (3,90 CUC) ; (prominentes) F : 12,70 € ; D : 11,70 € ; AND : 8,40 € ;
SP : 6,35 € F : 14,60 € ; D : 16,60 € ; AND : 11 € ; BNL : 12,90 € ; C: 6,22 € (8 CUC) ;
For all smokers C : 8,87 € (11,40 CUC) ; SP : 11, 80 € ; GB : 26,46 € (20,70 £) ;
SP : 17 € ; GB : 33,36 € (26,10 £) ; I : 12 € ; P : 13 € ;
AA CH : 19,54 € (23,60 FS) CH : 13,41 € (16,20 FS)
For experienced smokers For all smokers
This small corona looks
neat and welcoming: a AAA AAA
nicely taut silky colorado
wrapper, firmly packed. A beautifully sleek and Very presentable in its
A lovely smooth start: slender double corona. natural colorado maduro
the habano draws well This habano provides wrapper, on the cold
offering up earthy, pre-light notes of dry hay draw this habano gives
woody notes and and cedar. After a mild us cedar, leather and a
mushroom flavors. But start there’s a lovely little pepper. An
then things get a lot woody quality with excellent start: lots of
more chaotic. The range toasted notes. Then the smoke with notes of
of flavors is considerably Double Coronas shows a precious wood, spices
reduced, overpowered by certain refinement. and fresh walnut. Then
poorly channeled Medium strength – just comes a more
strength. Lacking enough – with notes of pronounced dry wood
smoothness, the precious wood and dried flavor profile. Medium
Coronations is untidy flowers. The cigar strength, but no
and muddled up to the becomes more rounded explosion of flavors. A
finish. A Hoyo that in the final third, very harmonious smoke
needs work. offering a little more nonetheless with no
spice (red peppercorn). overheating issues. The
A classic habano, strength is balanced, this
agreeable, but maybe a is an easy-going smoke
little too meek. with no surprises. Could
do with having more
character.

HOYO DE MONTERREY

Epicure N° 1 Epicure N° 2 Grand Epicure
143 mm × 46 (18,26 mm) 124 mm × 50 (19,84 mm) Édition limitée 2013
Corona gorda Robusto (robustos) 130 mm × 55 (21,83 mm)
(coronas gordas) F : 11,90 € ; D : 10,20 € ; AND : 7,98 € ; Gros robusto (montesco)
F : 11,30 € ; D : 10,80 € ; AND : 7,80 € ; BNL : 11 € ; C : 5,45 € (7 CUC) ; F : 15 € ; AND: 10,95 € ;
BNL : 11,40 € ; C :5,76 € (7,40 CUC) ; SP: 11 € ; GB: 21,99 € (17,20 £) ; C: 9,22 € (11,85 CUC ) ;
SP:10,95 € ; GB : 23,01 € (18 £) ; I: 11,90 € ; P : 12 € ; GB: 32,60 € (25,50 £)
I : 11,60 € ; P : 12,40 € ; CH : 12,01 € (14,50 FS) For experienced smokers
CH : 12,75 € (15,40 FS) For all smokers
For experienced smokers AAAA
AAA
AAAA This huge cigar is quite
A popular classic simply stunning: an
This corona gorda robusto. Some enticing immense white, red and
boasts a sleek, caramel- pre-light notes – dry gold band, embossed
colored, veined and wood, suint and cocoa – with the cigar's name,
lustrous wrapper, then a bold, smooth around a perfectly
offering up suint and start. Lovely woody notes smooth Colorado
spices on the cold draw. dominate. The smoke is maduro wrapper.
A perfect opening, with fine and quite light, and No disappointments pre-
woody flavors and black then the Hoyo takes on a lighting: pronounced
pepper. Then the N° 1 more vegetal character notes of spices and
quickly becomes more with hints of fresh precious wood. The
full-bodied and the taste walnut. The second third Hoyo lays its cards on
lingers pleasantly in the is hollower with the table straight away: it
mouth. As the strength occasional bitter touches. is straightforward and
builds, we get hints of The flavors are there but full-bodied, with notes of
peat, dried fruit and overall it lacks depth. red and black pepper and
cocoa. Robust, The strength picks up precious wood.
full-bodied and mellow. gradually, with burnt The perfect draw,
The final third is more aromas, before an over- facilitates an appreciable
linear and marked by vigorous finish. A increase in body. Latent
vegetal notes that are a somewhat lackluster strength but somewhat
touch sharp. habano but easy to muted; dynamic but
Nonetheless, this Hoyo is smoke, very accessible fortunately never
on top form. and never disconcerting. obsessive or aggressive.
This is a masculine and
somewhat wild piece,
clearly aimed at those
who like cigars with
character. Gamey, deep,
dense and intense, the
Grand Epicure is not for
fans of subtle and
delicate cigars.

HOYO DE MONTERREY

Hoyo des Dieux Hoyo du Député Hoyo du Gourmet
155 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 110 mm × 38 (15,08 mm) 170 mm × 33 (13,10 mm)
Grand corona Petit panatella (trabucos) Panatella (palmas)
(coronas grandes) F : 6,50 € ; D : 6,10 € ; AND : 3,94 € ; F : 8,70 € ; BNL : 8,80 € ;
F : 11,20 € ; AND : 6,80 € ; BNL : 6,80 € ; C : 3,27 € (4,20 CUC) ; C : 4,28 € (5,50 CUC) ;
BNL : 11 € ; C : 5,21 € (6,70 CUC) ; SP : 4,80 € ; GB : 12,40 € (9,70 £) ; GB : 15,60 € (12,20 £)
SP : 9,70 € ; GB : 21,09 € (16,50 £) I : 7,20 € ; CH : 6,29 € (7,60 FS) For all smokers
For experienced smokers For all smokers
AA
AAAA AAA
This sleek cigar may be
Pre-light, we pick up The Député, with its exquisitely presented but
notes of sawdust and veined maduro wrapper, the start is unbalanced.
light cocoa. An excellent is classical in design and The draw, which is often
opening performance. easy to light. The first too firm, prevents it
Full-bodied, assured and few puffs on this small from expressing itself.
aromatic with notes of panatella taste bitter, but The wet earth and damp
precious wood and then the flavors of wet vegetal flavors are
underbrush. Expressive earth and roasted coffee subdued. Then the flavor
in a subtle way with kick in. Medium strength profile improves with
medium but consistent initially, it soon picks up hints of roasted coffee
strength. In the second in the second third when but lacks verve and is still
third, the tastes linger the flavors get a lot more too weak. A dry
longer on the palate. woody and burnt (toast). mouthfeel at the finish.
Then this Hoyo serves Humble but acceptable. Makeover required.
up aromas of moss and
lichen with increasingly
strong spicy flavors.
Great tasting, delicate
and mellow. Great depth,
though it could do with
more body. A beautiful
Cuban cigar.

HOYO DE MONTERREY

Hoyo du Maire Hoyo du Prince Le Hoyo de San Juan
100 mm × 30 (11,91 mm) 130 mm × 40 (15,87 mm) 150 mm × 54 (21,43 mm)
Mini-panatella (entreactos) Petit corona (almuerzos) Grand robusto (geniales)
F : 5,70 € ; D : 4,80 € ; AND : 3,36 € ; F : 7,30 € ; AND : 4,60 € ; BNL : 7,40 € ; F : 14,50 € ; D : 14,20 € ;
BNL : 5,80 € ; C : 2,33 € (3 CUC) ; SP : 3 €; C : 3,73 € (4,80 CUC) ; SP : 5,90 € ; GB : 30,34 € (23,90 £); I : 13,50 € ;
GB :8,82 € (6,90 £) ; P : 4,30 € ; GB : 15,34 € (12 £) ; CH : 14,74 € (17,80 FS)
CH : 5,47 € (6,60 FS) CH : 7,62 € (9,20 FS) For all smokers
For all smokers For all smokers
AAA
AAA AAA
This large, good-looking
Not immediately A small, rather hard robusto offers subtle pre-
attractive: a dull, dark box-pressed habano with light sensations (grassy
colored wrapper with a a veined maduro touches) and a lively
very rustic look. The first wrapper. The start tends start with notes of hay
few pulls are to be harsh and too and sawdust and
disconcerting, with a vigorous. But very soon imposing billows of
very muddled flavor we get some smooth and smoke. Light strength.
profile (woody, vegetal). spicy smoke. Woody and Then it gets more
But then the Hoyo dried fruit notes mingle aromatic, providing a
progressively acquires with freshly cut grass and delicate blend of wet
more body. Earthy, then roasted (coffee) and earth, dry grass and
toasty and roasted earthy tastes on the coffee. Later it becomes
flavors spill forth finish. Sorely lacking in linear though even
unabated. The pace is depth and complexity spicier. This habano is
excellent and the burn overall, but the Prince is up-front to say the least,
good. Quite lively on the still a nice, easy smoke. but the final third is
finish with some bitter Unpretentious, rather rather too monotonous.
touches. A worthy cigar linear, but perfectly An average Hoyo
that’s pleasant overall. decent. – determined and
cheerful.

HOYO DE MONTERREY
Hoyo de Hoyo de
Monterrey Monterrey
Palmas Extra Petit Robustos
140 mm × 40 (15,87 mm) 102 mm × 50 (19,84 mm)
Corona (cremas) Petit robusto
F : 4,10 € ; D : 5,10 € ; AND : 2,86 € ; (petit robustos)
C : 2,33 € (3 CUC) ; I : 4,60 € F : 8,90 € ; D : 8,60 € ; AND : 6,08 € ;
For all smokers BNL : 9,20 € ; C : 4,51 € (5,80 CUC) ;
SP : 8 € ; GB : 17,51 € (13,70 £) ;
AAA I : 9,90 € ; P : 9 € ;
CH : 10,35 € (12,50 FS)
The Palmas Extra, sleek For experienced smokers
and well filled, provides
some very peppery first AAAA
puffs. Light strength with
some nice notes of wood, A short and stocky
oaky moss and Hoyo that is over in a
mushroom creeping in. flash. Very easy on the
The overall feel is eye. Pre-light we get
pleasant and smooth. It’s earthy and sweet notes.
a shame that this cigar An easy start with great
drops its guard in the plumes of rich smoke.
final third. Though not Then this Petit Robustos
completely bland, the yields an appetizing
flavor profile becomes range of roasted flavors,
less expansive and the gingerbread and wet
Hoyo appears somewhat earth. Overall a little
weak. Narrowly misses restrained and all over
out the fourth band! too quickly. With a
Nice nonetheless. touch more complexity
and strength this would
be a sublime habano.

JOSÉ L. PIEDRA
JOSÉ José L. Piedra José L. Piedra

L. PIEDRA Brevas
133 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Cazadores
153 mm × 43 (17,07 mm)
Corona (brevas) Grand corona (cazadores)
V ery few waves and no surprise for

this modest label. José L. Piedra
maintains a catalog of unassuming
F : 2,24 € ; D : 2 € ; AND : 1,08 € ;
C : 0,86 € (1,10 CUC) ; I : 2 € ;
P : 1,85 € ; CH : 2,73 € (3,30 FS)
F : 2,10 € ; D : 2,20 € ; AND : 1,14 € ;
BNL : 2,20 € ; C : 0,93 € (1,20 CUC) ;
SP : 1,50 € ; GB :10,10 € (7,90 £) ;
but cheap and easy to smoke cigars Short filler I : 2,10 € ; P : 2 € ; CH : 3,23 € (3,90 FS)
For all smokers Short filler
lacking an aromatic range. This being For all smokers
said, most of its items are average. AAA
Let’s salute the good score of the AAA
corona Conservas: it won a third ring. A rustic-looking
maduro wrapper with a The maduro wrapper on
Piedra plays a discreet music. Its nice feel due to it being this Cazadores is dull
customer base is faithful. Its products well filled. Pre-light, the and rather crude but it
are consistent in spite of their short cigar offers a little does have a nice silky
sawdust. Excessive feel. Pre-light, we get
filler. bitterness at the start fleeting notes of sawdust
along with light-to- and earth. Lights easily.
José L. Piedra Hailing from Asturia, like a medium flavors (hard The first puffs offer up
great many tabaqueros, the Piedra family was wood, cocoa, black notes of wood, leather
established in the village of Remedios, in the
Vuelta Arriba region. The José L. Piedra brand
licorice). The smoke has and bark shrouded in
(the name comes from its founder José Lamadrid good body but feels bitterness. The strength
Piedra) was registered in 1880. At the end of rather dry in the mouth. picks up progressively
the 19th century, it was the most famous outside A predominantly woody and the smoke becomes
of La Havana. José Lamadrid Piedra’s nephew, taste with a few touches thicker with leather and
José Lamadrid Piedra II, managed the brand of pepper. An easy-going chocolate flavors. Well
until his death in 1942. « The satisfaction Piedra little habano, very linear constructed. A
gives you » was a popular slogan at the time. but decent given the very companionable cigar,
In the 50s, driven by José Lamadrid Piedra III, low price. given its very reasonable
the label became a favorite in the US, its main price.
market. The embargo put an end to the love
story. The brand died off. It was rescucitated in
1996 thanks to a wildly successful new concept:
the cigars were sold in bundles. The tobacco
came from the Remedios region. Made of a
short filler, the cigars are entirely hand rolled.
The last born, the Petit Cazadores, was released
in France in 2007. That year, new colorful rings
appeared on the label.

JOSÉ L. PIEDRA
José L. Piedra José L. Piedra José L. Piedra

Conservas Cremas Nacionales
140 mm × 44 (17,46 mm) 134 mm × 15,57 mm 134 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Corona (conservas) Petit panatella (cremas) Corona (nacionales)
F : 2,24 € ; D : 2,20 € ; AND : 1,10 € ; F : 1,80 € ; D : 1,85 € ; AND : 1,02 € ; F : 2,24 € ; AND : 0,92 € ;
BNL : 2 € ; C : 0,93 € (1,20 CUC) ; BNL : 1,80 € ; C :0,78 € (1 CUC) ; C : 0,86 € (1,10 CUC) ;
SP : 1,45 € ; GB :9,59 € (7,50 £) ; I : 2 € ; SP : 1,35 € ; I : 1,80 € ; P : 1,85 € ; GB : 8,56 € (6,70 £) ; I : 1,90 € ;
P :1,95 € ; CH : 3,23 € (3,90 FS) CH : 2,57 € (3,10 FS) P : 1,85 €; CH : 2,82 € (3,40 FS)
Short filler Short filler Short filler
Discontinued
AAA AAA
AA
The Conservas, more Aesthetically this small
smartly turned out than panatella leaves much to This corona comes dressed in a strongly
its contemporaries in a be desired (wrinkled veined maduro wrapper and pre-light it
rather smooth maduro wrapper, very veiny and offers very light grassy notes. The draw is
colorado wrapper, offers a rough feel). But the difficult to start with and it burns
pre-light grassy notes pre-light sensations are unevenly. The whole flavor profile is
and a hint of something else! limited to burnt wood and earth flavors
underbrush. A strong Delicious musky, sweet followed by a little spice in the second
but sweet start. The silky and earthy notes. The third. On some of these cigars the draw
flavors - creamy coffee, opening is bold but stays firm. Despite a few hints of fresh
fresh hazelnut and spices smooth, the smoke hazelnut, the smoke then becomes
- are appealing. The imparting flavors of astringent. Too crude and inconsistent.
smoke is light and the cedar and pepper. A
strength well channeled. touch rustic, but
Notes of cocoa bring appetizing. The Cremas
added smoothness. We is creamy and full-
let ourselves sway to its bodied. Light strength
tune, not exactly a and complexity but full
symphony, more like flavored and well paced.
easy listening. Well This Piedra outshines its
made, spontaneous, and modest reputation.
natural.

JUAN LOPEZ
José L. Piedra José L. Piedra JUAN LOPEZ

Petit Cazadores Petit Cetros
104 mm × 40 (15,87 mm)
Très petit corona (perlas)
127 mm × 38 (15,08 mm)
Petit panatella
A lthough this brand suffered quite
a bit over the last few years
(cigars discontinued, unpredictable
F : 1,40 € ; D : 1,70 € ; AND : 0,94 € ; (petit cetros)
BNL : 1,50 € ; C : 0,70 € (0,90 CUC) ; F : 1,60 € ; D : 1,80 € ; AND : 0,98 € ; manufacturing), it seems to be
SP : 1,20 € ;GB : 6,52 € (5,10 £) ; C : 0,74 € (0,95 CUC) ; SP : 1,30 € ;
stabilizing and regaining some
I : 1,60 € ; P : 1,65 € ; GB : 6,65 € (5,20 £) ; I : 1,80 € ; P : 1,75 €
CH : 2,07 € (2,50 FS) CH : 2,32 € (2,80 FS) colour. The short catalog presents
Short filler Short filler average, aromatic and often refined
For all smokers For all smokers items. The corona gorda Seleccion
N° 1 distinguishes itself by winning a
AAA AA
fourth ring. Juan Lopez is no longer a
This Piedra doesn’t give Pre-light, the Petit prestigious brand in Cuba. At times,
much away on the cold Cetros offers up light it can reveal itself rich and precise as
draw so the nice punchy grassy touches. The start
start comes as a surprise. is uncompromising. Full far as its aroma and deserves to be
Great wet earth flavors strength with aromas of closely watched.
with a supporting cast of burnt wood and a hint of
precious wood and fresh bitterness. A well-rolled Juan Lopez The brand’s real name is La Flor
spices. The smoking cigar with an easy draw. de Juan Lopez and it was founded in 1876 by
experience is very linear, A narrow range of López Diaz. At the time of his death in 1900,
lacking depth and flavors establishes itself, the company was acquired by Cosme del Peso
complexity. A well-built based around pepper and y Cía, a small independant company. Juan Lopez
cigar nonetheless, woody notes. A very remained an important label until the 70s
balanced and likeable. well-structured cigar which marked the beginning of its slow and
Hats off to this Petit whose strength is its steady decline. In the 90s, two new formats,
Cazadores. dominant feature. A the Seleccion N° 1 and N° 2 tried to boost its
Heartwarming, shame the taste is marred notoriety. The Corona factory currently manu-
unpretentious and by too much bitterness factures the cigars. The production remains
affordable. around the halfway low. A French edition, the Minutos, was created
mark. last year.

JUAN LOPEZ
Juan Lopez Juan Lopez

Petit Coronas Seleccion N° 1
129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 143 mm × 46 (18,26 mm)
Petit corona (marevas) Corona gorda
F : 6,80 € ; AND : 4,40 € ; (coronas gordas)
C :3,38 € (4,35 CUC) ; F : 10,50 € ; D : 9,60 € ; AND : 7,90 €;
GB : 14,19 € (11,10 £) BNL : 10,10 € ; C : 5,02 € (6,45 CUC) ;
For all smokers GB : 21,35 € (16,70 £) ; I : 10,90 € ;
P : 10,20 €; CH : 11,43 € (13,80 FS)
AAA For experienced smokers
With its veiny wrapper, AAAA

this is not a very stylish
Juan Lopez. Easy to light,
its flavor profile is woody
to start with before A handsome corona
becoming more earthy gorda with a well-crafted
and toasted. Nice look. In the cold draw
touches of dried fruit. there is wood, suint and
The strength builds but spices. Starts out deep
is always under control and spicy. The cigar
and never aggressive. A exudes flavors of exotic
lovely, soothing melody, wood and then gets
with hints of musk and smoother and more
roasted notes in the indulgent, adding in
finale. Not complex or notes of cocoa, earth and
full flavored, but reliable. touches of pepper. The
final third is a tad linear,
though just as full-
flavored and creamy.
The strength brings the
best out of the flavors in
this Seleccion N° 1. Nice
work. Highly
recommended.

LA FLOR DE CANO
Juan Lopez LA FLOR La Flor de Cano

Seleccion N° 2
124 mm × 50 (19,84 mm)
DE CANO Petit Coronas
123 mm × 40 (15,87 mm)
Robusto (robustos) Petit corona (standard)
F : 10,50 € ; D : 9,10 € ; AND : 7,80 € ;
BNL : 10 € ; C : 4,71 € (6,05 CUC) ;
N o changes for this brand with
only two short filler formats, the
Petit Coronas and the Selectos which
F : 2,80 € ; D : 2,90 € ;
C : 1,32 € (1,70 CUC) ; SP : 2,40 € ;
GB : 21,35 € (16,70 £) ; I : 10,80 € ; P : 2,70 €
P : 10 € ; CH : 11,26 € (13,60 FS) maintain their average grades. The Short filler
For experienced smokers production remains stable season For all smokers
AAA after season, seamingly enduring, AAA

immune to time and trends. La Flor
A smooth and delicately de Cano has a round smoke. Its This Petit Coronas in its
veined colorado cedar wrapper is vegetal
aroma is decent. All in all, it is an
wrapper. The body is at the start, then woody
well filled and supple to unpretentious label sold at with a few roasted notes.
the touch. Pre-light, the reasonable prices. And it stays that way up
Seleccion N° 2 offers to the finish. A simple
sweet and spicy notes. range of flavors, but
The first puffs are full- La Flor de CanoNot much is known about pleasant and likeable all
bodied and pleasant. this brand created in 1884 by brothers José and the same. Well balanced
Woody flavors mingle Tomás Cano. The factory was then established strength and light smoke
with vegetal, spicy and at 66 Rayo Street in Havana. La Flor de Cano throughout with a hint of
resinous notes. Likeable, seems to have always been a modest family bitterness. Excellent
but lacking in depth. affair. Today manufactured in La Corona factory, value for money. Nice to
Medium strength. Only it has only two cigars which used to be machine have around.
at the end does this cigar rolled and are now hand rolled.
surprise us with a
character that’s both
roasted (coffee) and
earthy (peat). Coherent
and nicely constructed
but we expect more and
better from this
handsome Juan Lopez.

LA GLORIA CUBANA
La Flor de Cano LA GLORIA

Selectos
150 mm × 41 (16,27 mm)
CUBANA
Grand corona (cristales)
F : 3 € ; D : 3,60 € ; BNL : 3,40 € ;
C : 1,40 € (1,80 CUC); SP : 2,60 €
T his label has known better days
even if the very short catalog
Short filler offers quality items such as the
For all smokers Tainos, winner of a « coup de cœur »
this year. The cigars are very
AAA
coherent: the aromatic, wooded and
Nicely accessible – for creamy range is easily recognizable.
both palate and wallet – As seasons go by, La Gloria Cubana
the Selectos offers woody
plays a refined, precise and present
notes from the very first
puffs, along with a few tune with rare, charming and
touches of tanned esthetically well arranged, elegant
leather. Not a great deal products. It’s a shame that amongst
of body and virtually no
progression despite a this nice chamber orchestra, the
good draw and burn. A Médaille d’Or N° 2 falls to a barely
touch of acidity on the passable grade.
finish, no surprises but
not unpleasant. Mild and
relatively flat, this Flor de La Gloria Cubana Founded in 1885 by a
Cano is a middle range Englishman, Christian Enhler, this brand has
cigar. enjoyed luxury and prosperity: an allegory sits
on a throne floating on clouds behind which
blinding sunrays shine. She holds the peace
scepter in one hand and the shield of intelligence
in the other. Six medals (the ones the brand
won at international exhibits) appear at the
bottom of the label. It is guarded by the Agriculture
and Industry ministries. Acquired in 1905 by
the entrepreneurial José Fernández Rocha, the
Bolivar brand founder, La Gloria Cubana achieved
glory under his management. Helped by his
brother and partner Francisco, Rocha surrounded
himself with two experts: Robert Middlemans
and Rafael García Robaina. The latter will be
responsible for buying the leaves until his death
in 1935. After José’s death in 1944, the Rocha
heirs will be incapable of maintaining the dyna-
mism and the developement of the brands. In
1954, La Gloria Cubana’s operations – like its
alter ego Bolivar –will be transferred to Cifuentes,
which already controls Partagas. Swept by the
60s wave of nationalizations, the label will resus-
citate in the 70s. Amputated of two cigars in
2011 (the Médaille d’Or N° 1 and N° 3), La
Gloria’s catalog has become almost confidential.

LA GLORIA CUBANA
La Gloria Cubana La Gloria Cubana La Gloria Cubana

Médaille d’Or N° 2 Médaille d’Or N° 4 Tainos
170 mm × 43 (17,07 mm) 152 mm × 32 (12,70 mm) 178 mm × 47 (18,65 mm)
Lonsdale (dalias) Panatella (palmitas) Churchill (julieta 2)
F : 12 € ; AND : 7,40 € ; F : 7,10 € ; D : 6,15 € ; AND : 9,45 € ; C : 6,15 € (7,90 CUC)
C : 6,34 € (8,15 CUC) ; C : 3,89 € (5 CUC) ; For experienced smokers
CH : 13,58 € (16,40 FS) CH : 8,78 € (10,60 FS)
For all smokers For all smokers AAAAA
AAA AAA This magnificent
churchill offers up
This attractive lonsdale The first puffs of this touches of wood and
boasts a few notes of full-flavored panatella nutmeg on the cold
humus and dried flowers are a little distant, and draw. The start is lively,
in the cold draw. The may even seem closed bringing to mind dry
start is supple and spicy, due to the cigar’s earth and bark. The spicy
and the overall effect is diameter. Then the notes then settle in. A
pleasant with notes of flavors make their well-paced cigar that
exotic wood and pepper. appearance – indulgent progresses with
The cigar tends to hold and full: pepper, wood, harmonious burnt notes.
back a little and later it toasted hazelnut, cocoa, The Tainos is indulgent
struggles to give off its and a little leather. A and measured. Milk
traditional notes of cocoa supple smoke as long as coffee and toasted
and peat. A rather you don’t rush it. This hazelnut complete a
uninspired flavor profile Gloria is likeable and beautiful smoke. A quite
and the Médaille d’Or well-made, leaving a delectable Gloria. Make
N° 2 leaves the smoker pleasant mouthfeel. Ideal the most of it!
unsatisfied. Better luck with a coffee.
next time.

MONTECRISTO
MONTECRISTO Montecristo
Edmundo
A slight improvement for this famous habano brand which has one of
the richest catalog on the market. Although its cigars rarely reach for
the stars, they are homogeneous and recognizable. Montecristo cultivates
135 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Grand robusto (edmundo)
F : 14,80 € ; D : 12,20 € ; AND : 9,40 € ;
an authentic yet aging smoke. Good news however: the Edmundo leaves BNL : 12,80 € ; C : 6,65 € (8,55 CUC) ;
SP : 13,40 € ; GB : 25,82 € (20,20 £) ;
the red zone while five other items are rising. Only the Petit Tubos loses a
I : 14,20 € ; P : 14,50 € ;
ring and ends up with a below average grade. To summarize, Montecristo CH : 13,58 € (16,40 FS)
sails without shining but with a laudable consistence. For all smokers
AA
Montecristo As the most famous Cuban label, Montecristo owes much to its creator,
Benjamín Menéndez García. After attending a US university, Menéndez is hired by General This large robusto is
Cigar. Back in Havana, he reunites with his brother Félix and starts working for Parra. By 1913, very attractive with its
he runs the company and renames it Menéndez y Cía. The brothers’s investments and initiatives compact body nicely
are numerous. They dabble in oil and cigarette production but are not yet involved in cigar contoured in a thin
making. It all changes in 1923 thanks to their uncle Alonso who joins them with his cigar colorado wrapper. Hard
maker « Pepe » García. The Montecristo adventure can start. Determined to conquer exports, to believe that such a
the Menéndez y García team acquires the Particulares cigar factory in 1935. The same year, good looking
they decide to launch their own brand. They aim for a seamless fabrication and a luxurious Montecristo could be
yet simple presentation. Montecristo is born. Several versions exist as to the origin of the such a disappointment to
name. One thing is certain: both Englishmen and the Hunters company worked hard to the palate! The start is
convince Cubans to adopt it. In 1937, Alonso Menéndez buys the H. Upmann factory and promising with notes of
transfers the entire Montecristo production there. The label enjoys a meteoric success. In dry wood and a few
1955, the archbishop of Havana himself shows up to bless the factory headquarters! The traces of pepper. Then,
Alfred Dunhill company, which handles the distribution in the US and the UK creates its own although the smoke
series in the 40s under the name Montecristo Dunhill Seleccion Suprema. The brand will last seems full-bodied, the
until 1982. cigar remains linear, a
Two formats, the Joyitas and the Especial were added to the other five – the Nos 1 to 5 which touch arid, willfully
already existed – in 1969. The legendary Montecristo A was born two years later. New formats austere. Clearly lacking
such as the Edmundo, the Petit Edmundo and the Double Edmundo followed. Four years ago, in strength and flavor.
the Montecrito Open series appeared to modernize the label with four vitolas. The objective The blend offered in this
was to boost the sales. A small figurado, the Petit N°2 completed the catalog last year. Montecristo just isn’t
good enough. A crying
shame!

MONTECRISTO
Montecristo
Montecristo Montecristo
Especial
192 mm × 38 (15,08 mm) Especial N° 2 Double Edmundo
Grand panatella 152 mm × 38 (15,08 mm) 155 mm × 50 (19,84 mm)
(laguito n° 1) Panatella (laguito n° 2) Grand robusto (dobles)
F : 12,10 € ; D : 14,70 € ; AND : 8,88 € ; F : 10,70 € ; D : 11,80 € ; AND : 8,40 € ; F : 15 € ; D: 13,50 € ; AND : 9,95 € ;
BNL : 14,40 € ; C : 8,09 € (10,40 CUC) ; BNL : 11,70 € ; C : 6,50 € (8,35 CUC) ; BNL : 12,90 € ; C: 7,55 € (9,70 CUC) ;
SP : 13,50 € ; GB : 23,78 € (18,60 £) ; GB : 19,56 € (15,30 £) ; SP : 13,50 € ; GB: 29,79 € (23,30 £) ;
CH : 14,90 € (18 FS) I : 12 € ; CH : 11,59 € (14 FS) I: 14,70 € ; P: 16 € ;
For experienced to very For experienced smokers CH : 15,40 € (18,60 FS)
experienced smokers For all smokers
AAA
AAAA AAA
This Montecristo, with
This exceptional habano its thin, oily, dark This latest addition to
comes in a chocolate maduro wrapper, offers the Edmundo family is
wrapper finished with pre-light notes of wood, exceptionally attractive.
the famed perilla. Nice leather and black tea. A The pre-light experience
and soft to the touch, the nice smooth start with is promising: damp
pre-light notes are peat softwood and mocha vegetal with a hint of
and humus. A pleasingly flavors. Then the smoke musk. After a calm start,
delicate opening: refined becomes rounded but the cigar opens up
smoke with woody and slightly spicy. Excellent smoothly with a touch of
earthy notes. Then the draw and burn. As the spice. Then it gets
Especial becomes strength increases the creamy, milky even,
distinctly peppery, flavors become more fusing woody, earthy
gaining in strength and virile (wet earth, leather, notes with fresh
richness of flavor. The toasted hazelnut, spices). hazelnut. The flavors
final third (dark cocoa, A warm and dynamic become a little more
dried fruit, strong peat) smoke. This Cuban is roasted, and sadly there
is spirited, very dark and very good company. is less complexity in the
even austere on the last final third. The finish
puffs. A beautiful habano ends up muddled and
and a special moment. the cigar loses its
mellowness and
grandeur. One to watch.

MONTECRISTO
Montecristo Montecristo Montecristo

Joyitas Montecristo A N° 1
115 mm × 26 (10,32 mm) 235 mm × 47 (18,65 mm) 165 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Mini-panatella (laguito n° 3) Especial (gran corona) Lonsdale (cervantes)
F : 6,60 € ; D : 5,95 € ; AND : 3,64 € ; F : 31 € ; D : 40,80 € ; AND : 19,80 € ; F : 11,90 € ; D : 11,90 € ; AND : 7,94 € ;
BNL : 6,20 € ; C : 2,65 € (3,40 CUC) ; C : 15,52 € (19,95 CUC) ; SP : 32,30 € ; BNL : 12,40 € ; C : 6,50 € (8,35 CUC) ;
SP : 4,85 € ; GB : 9,33 € (7,30 £) ; GB : 60,47 € (47,30 £) ; I : 31 € ; SP : 10,95 € ; GB :22,88 € (17,90 £) ;
P : ,5,35 € ; CH : 6,46 € (7,80 FS) P : 36,50 € I : 11,40 € ;P : 12 € ;
For all smokers For very experienced CH : 12,26 € (14,80 FS)
smokers For all smokers
AAA
AAAA AAA
Good looking and soft
to the touch. The first This legendary especial This Lonsdale still looks
puffs are a little obscure looks great. Pre-light, the a tad rustic. It offers pre-
and bitter, but the draw A offers only a little light notes of sawdust
is excellent. This habano sawdust and earth. It and dry straw. The first
boasts a woody flavor starts smooth and kind of puffs are welcoming with
profile with prominent distant. The smoke is well harmonious exotic
and well composed rounded from the outset. wood, suint and mocha
touches of pepper. Our Woody and vegetal notes flavors. The nose is
Joyitas finishes with a start to turn a little more appetizing and the
hint of roasted coffee and earthy and roasted. smoke is full flavored
a slightly dry mouthfeel Freshly baked brioche with roasted notes
on the last puffs. True to and honey bring (coffee bean), hints of
form and always likeable. creaminess and soothing dried fruit (hazelnut)
sweetness. The strength and then toasted flavors
builds gradually and the on the finish. This rather
habano starts to take on invigorating N° 1 has no
both caramelized and great finesse, but is
spicy overtones. Quite nonetheless a pleasant
lazy, this exquisite and and lively cigar with real
rather forgotten cigar is a character.
pleasure and, most
importantly, pays no
heed to the passing of
time – allow at least a
couple of hours to enjoy
it!

MONTECRISTO

N° 2 N° 3 N° 4
156 mm × 52 (20,64 mm) 142 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Figurado (piramides) Corona (coronas) Petit corona (marevas)
F : 14,80 € ; D : 13,70 € ; AND : 9,80 € ; F : 10,90 € ; D : 10,30 € ; AND : 6,52 € ; F : 8,20 € ; D : 8 € ; AND : 4,92 € ;
BNL : 14 € ; C :7,51 € (9,65 CUC) ; BNL : 11,40 € ; C : 5,60 € (7,20 CUC) ; BNL : 8,40 € ; C : 4,32 € (5,55 CUC) ;
SP : 13,55 € ; GB : 28,25 € (22,10 £) ; SP : 8,75 € ; GB : 19,81 € (15,50 £) ; SP: 6,50 € ; GB: 15,08 € (11,80 £) ;
I: 14,80 € ; P : 15 € ; CH : 15,40 € (18,60 FS) I : 10,40 € ; P : 9,95 € ; I : 7,90 € ; P : 7,60 € ;
For experienced smokers CH : 11,26 € (13,60 FS) CH : 8,61 € (10,40 FS)
AAAA
AAA AAA
The figure of this
venerable habano is A box-pressed A classic habano, all
timeless: impressively Montecristo in a scruffy, dressed up in its smooth,
sized without being wrinkled wrapper. The glossy colorado wrapper,
hulky, a colorado first puffs are more this N° 4 looks ready for
wrapper with a coppery appealing: an appetizing any occasion. But,
sheen, soft to the touch. start with fresh cocoa, against all expectations,
Pre-light notes of tanned spices and a few sharp the first puffs are rather
leather and earth dust. notes. Then the N° 3 on the light side and
An easy start with a nice, becomes muskier (suint lacking in consistency.
open draw. Pleasant and barnyard notes) with After this slight delay,
resinous notes along roasted and resinous the Montecristo gains
with dry earth and black tinges. The finish is depth with woody, peaty,
pepper. Not an linear and although this earthy and then more
amazingly expressive habano is predictable toasted and roasted
cigar, and rather rustic and lacking in flavors. The flavor profile
overall, but the N° 2 has complexity, it remains a is simple and very linear.
perfectly measured and decent smoke. This cigar has no major
controlled strength, and faults but lacks body and
a bouquet of increasingly clout. One to watch.
toasted and roasted
flavors coming up to the
finish. All in all, a
consistent and very
acceptable smoke.
Captivating.

MONTECRISTO

N° 5 Petit Edmundo Petit N° 2
102 mm × 40 (15,87 mm) 110 mm × 52 (20,64 mm) 120 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Très petit corona (perlas) Petit robusto Petit figurado (petit n° 2)
F : 7,20 € ; D : 6,60 € ; AND : 4,10 € ; (petit edmundo) F : 10,50 € ;D: 10,50 € ; AND : 7,50 € ;
BNL : 6,60 € ; C : 3,50 € (4,50 CUC) ; F : 9,90 € ; D : 10 € ; AND : 7,16 € ; BNL : 10,30 € ;C: 5,87 € (7,55 CUC) ;
SP : 5,40 € ; GB : 11,82 € (9,25 £) ; BNL : 10,50 € ; C : 5,45 € (7 CUC) ; SP : 9,75 € ; GB : 22,75 € (17,80 £)
I : 7,40 €; P : 6,30 € ; SP : 9,70 € ; GB : 19,69 € (15,40 £) ; I: 11,40 € ; P: 11,75 €;
CH : 6,46 € (7,80 FS) I : 10,50 € ; P : 10,60 € ; CH : 11,92 € (14,40 FS)
For all smokers CH : 11,76 € (14,20 FS) For all smokers
For experienced smokers
AAAA AAA
AAAA
A somewhat rustic and This cigar looks rather
modest appearance with Short and stocky, this well crafted. A brisk and
its dry maduro wrapper cigar is perfectly filled dynamic start. The flavor
and short, stocky body. and offers up a woody, profile is essentially
Nice and easy to light, spicy bouquet on the organic: precious wood
the first puffs are slightly cold draw. Right from joins fresh hazelnut and
vegetal and then fast the start this habano then roasted coffee
become earthy and produces lovely notes of enters the stage. Very
woody. Toasted precious wood, up-front overall and not
(hazelnut) and primarily mushroom and pepper. especially smooth. The
roasted (coffee) notes Nice complexity of flavor Montecristo lacks
complete the flavor and perfect pace. Then control and finesse but
profile. Medium strength the spices become more its spontaneity is a
overall and very well pronounced, this smoke pleasant surprise.
balanced and well paced. is harmonious and mild,
The final third is rich although the final third
and loaded with toasted and finish are rather less
flavors. Well worth a try! melodic. This is a full-
strength and satisfying
Montecristo with a fiery
personality. So much
energy in such a small
cigar!

MONTECRISTO
Montecristo Montecristo MONTECRISTO

Petit Tubos
129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Tubos
155 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
OPEN
Petit corona (marevas) Grand corona Ups and downs for this brand. Yet in the end,
F : 9,90 € ; D : 9,80 € ; AND : 5,80 € ; (coronas grandes) no major changes for the Montecristo House.
BNL : 10,40 € ; C :4,67 € (6 CUC) ; F : 13,50 € ; D : 14 € ; AND : 7,90 € ; The Eagle gets a ring back while the Junior
SP : 7,10 € ; GB : 17,26 € (13,50 £) ; BNL : 15 € ; C : 7,74 € (9,95 CUC) ; loses one again. The Open have a hard time
I : 9,90 € ; P : 9,10 € ; SP : 10,70 € ; GB : 23,78 € (18,60 £) ;
asserting their personality and signature
CH : 10,27 € (12,40 FS) I : 13,20 € ; CH : 14,24 € (17,20 FS)
stamp. They have a nice look, are very well
rolled, dense and attractive. However, the
AA AA tasting experience remains limited. We keep
hoping for more amplitude and aromatic
With its dull wrapper This Tubos looks stylish assertiveness for this quatuor conceived for
and gritty feel, this in its beautiful colorado the US market. The jolt is slow coming.
Montecristo is wrapper. Firm to the
unappealing. Pre-light touch. Hints of fresh
aromas of dried flowers mushroom on the cold
with touches of cedar. draw. A lackluster
The start is dark and opening with thin Montecristo Open
mineral. The Petit Tubos smoke, then the flavor
does become more profile extends to bark Eagle
rounded as it progresses, and bitter cocoa before 150 mm × 54 (21,43 mm)
but it produces thin, arid becoming more strained. Grand robusto (sublimes)
smoke with only a few The final third can even F : 16,20 € ; D : 14 € ; AND : 10,75 € ;
woody flavors emerging. be astringent, and here BNL : 15 € ; C: 7,74 € (9,95 CUC) ;
Too linear and very short the habano really runs SP : 15 € ; GB :30,30 € (23,70 £) ;
on flavor. out of steam, the flavors I : 14,20 € ; P : 16,50 € ;
are flat and the aftertaste CH : 15,82 € (19,10 FS)
unpleasant. No panache For experienced smokers
and rather old-fashioned.
AAAA
Nicely crafted and
imposing in its colorado
wrapper. Pre-light, we
get woody notes and
oaky moss. A nice,
smooth start with
pronounced vegetal,
woody and camphor
notes. Then the cigar
quickly deepens and
darkens, exuding strong
notes of black pepper.
The smoke has an
appetizing aroma,
though dry in the mouth,
and the flavor profile is
coherent but lacking
persistence. A satisfying,
lingering finale. This
one’s a real heavy hitter.

MONTECRISTO
Montecristo Open Montecristo Open Montecristo Open

Regata Junior Master
135 mm × 46 (18,26 mm) 110 mm × 38 (15,08 mm) 124 mm × 50 (19,84 mm)
Figurado (forum) Petit panatella Robusto (robustos)
F : 11 € ; D : 8,90 € ; AND : 5,90 € ; (belvederes) F : 12,80 € ; D : 10,90 € ; AND : 8,25 € ;
BNL : 10 € ; C: 4,86 € (6,25 CUC) ; F : 7 € ; D : 6,40 € ; AND : 3,95 € ; BNL : 12 € ; C: 5,95 € (7,65 CUC) ;
SP : 7,60 € ; GB : 18,79 € (14,70 £) ; I : 10 € BNL : 7 € ; C: 3,46 € (4,45 CUC) ; SP : 11,80 € ; GB : 23,27 € (18,20 £) ;
P : 9,10 € ; CH : 10,02 € (12,10 FS) SP : 5,25 € ; GB : 12,53 € (9,80 £) ; I : 11,50 € ; P : 12,80 € ;
For experienced smokers I : 7,90 € ; P : 6,40 € ; CH : 12,09 € (14,60 FS)
CH : 7,62 € (9,20 FS) For experienced to very
AAA For all smokers experienced smokers
The colorado maduro AAA AAA

wrapper is dull but
smooth and nicely taut. This small panatella Visually this cigar is not
After a few hints of looks unimposing and short on charisma.
underbrush and fern on uneven (a production Evenly filled and soft to
the cold draw, the Regata fault maybe?). The the touch. The start is
provides a light smoke inconsistent draw is brisk – with white
with grassy and subtle disappointing as the pepper and gamey
leather notes and just a cigar sometimes has flavors – then gets a little
touch of spice. The difficulty expressing dry. The second third
smoke starts out a little itself. This is a shame picks up again with
dry, but gradually because when the draw is appetizing flavors of
becomes more woody good there are very freshly baked brioche,
and spicy. The flavors get pleasant woody notes becoming smooth and
more complex but you and stylish touches of almost mellow.
could never really roasted coffee. Improved Conversely, the final
describe them as quality control and more third is very unbalanced
sophisticated. At the end, measured strength are with the strength
the Regata’s unbridled required for this Junior masking its flavors. The
strength makes for a to fully express its last puffs are too strong.
somewhat arid finish and complexity and depth. The blend is muddled
short-lived aftertaste. and needs some work.
This attractive
Montecristo Open lacks
taste appeal.

PARTAGAS
PARTAGAS Partagas
8-9-8
G reat stability for the venerable Partagas House. Most of its –numerous-
values remain stable even though it suffered a big and unexpected
blow: the immutable Churchill Lusitanias, celebrated for ages in the
170 mm × 43 (17,07 mm)
Lonsdale (dalias)
F : 12,90 € ; D : 13 € ; AND : 9,20 €;
Amateur de Cigare and the Havanoscope lost his 5th ring this season. As BNL : 14,40 € ; C : 5,91 € (7,60 CUC) ;
SP : 12,75 € ; GB : 24,42 € (19,10 £) ;
for the other cigars, the ups and downs cancel each other. It’s worth
P : 14 € ; CH : 14,74 € (17,80 FS)
noticing the lonsdale 8-9-8’s excellent performance: it was unanimously For very experienced
voted the Havana of the year 2015. Partagas continues to play the classic smokers
yet slightly macho card. 100% Cuban character.
AAAAA
Partagas It is the most famous Havana factory, the most visited by tourists and one of the
most prestigious. The label was created in 1845 by a clever and tyranical Catalan by the name
of Jaime Partagás, who established himself in the Cuban capital in 1827. Partagás soon owned A superb Lonsdale, the
several plantations in the Pinar del Río area. Mindful of the aficionados’ needs, he succeeded flagship of the Partagas
in taking his cigars to the very top of the chain. He selected the tabaccos himself and brand. Elegant and
experimented with several fermentation methods. Rumor has it that he was the first one to distinguished, it offers
hire a reader in his factory galera in 1860. In 1859, the brand was universally recognized. up a few hints of mocha
Thus the quote engraved on the front of the factory building on Industry Street, « Real Fábrica and cedar on the cold
de Tabacos » (Royal Tabaccos factory), does not lie. It is simply the oldest factory in Cuba. draw. The first
Jaime Partagás was murdered in 1868. The crime was never solved. Jaime’s son José took over. impression is one of
Lacking his father’s energy and flair, he was incapable of keeping the Partagas ship afloat. He depth, with notes of
filed for bankrupcy a few years later. The brand was acquired by José A. Bances. In 1900, coffee, humus, and
Bances retired and ceded the brand to two dynamic scions of some of the biggest cigar pepper. Highly
dynasties: Ramón Cifuentes Llano and José Fernández López. The partnership was soon sophisticated, this cigar
denounced and replaced by Cifuentes and Co. The Fidel Castro takeover sent the Cifuentes develops its dynamic side
great-grandson to the United States. N 1995, Habanos S.A. celebrated its 150th anniversary. without compromising
A Limited Edition was created in 2010: the Partagas Serie D Especial. In 2011, a new series on taste. Notes of suint,
christened E, was born with a big Robusto, the N° 5, as a first format. This year, it is the Serie wet earth, grilled tones
D N°6’s turn to be launched along with the Seleccion Privada, which earmed a heart. and mocha create a
sublime blend of flavors.
Not content with being
wonderfully complex,
the 8-9-8 exudes a
powerful smoothness,
and persuasive taste.
Hats off to a great
habano.
2015
habano
of the
year

PARTAGAS
Partagas Partagas Partagas

Aristocrats Coronas Junior Coronas Senior
129 mm × 40 (15,87 mm) 117 mm × 40 (15,87 mm) 132 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Petit corona (petit cetros) Petit corona (coronitas) Corona (eminentes)
F : 3,60 € ; D : 4,50 € ; AND : 2,74 € ; F : 4,80 € ; D : 5,70 € ; AND : 3,36 € ; F : 6,30 € ; D : 6,10 € ; AND : 3,80 € ;
BNL : 3,90 € ; C : 2,29 € (2,95 CUC) ; C : 2,92 € (3,75 CUC) ; SP : 4,80 € ; C : 3,11 € (4 CUC) ; SP: 5,35 € ;
SP : 4,50 € ; I : 4,80 € I : 5,60 € ; P : 5,40 € I : 6 € ; P : 5,80 €
AAAA AAAA AAA

This little corona isn’t The cold draw on this The Coronas Senior
much to look at. The little Partagas brings out gives off a slightly grassy
dominant pre-light fragrances of cedar and pre-light flavor. The first
flavors are dusty and humus. Bold and full- puffs are smooth and
woody. After a quick, bodied right off the bat easy. The aromas
easy light, the first puffs with a succession of gradually center on dusty
are full-flavored and full- peppery and roasted notes, leather, light
bodied. This habano notes. Going into the pepper and bark. The
produces mellow smoke second third, the smoke comes out
with roasted and Partagas gives off a hint smooth and silky, with
balsamic (cedar) notes. of balsamic notes and growing intensity as you
Good progression and becomes more attractive. smoke through the stick.
well-balanced strength, Sandalwood and pepper Its aromatic complexity
despite being a tad flavors follow through to suffers from this
unassertive. The final a satisfying finish. The ruggedness, giving you a
third is more Coronas Junior shows linear smoke overall. Not
enterprising with notes character and backbone. terribly refined, but
of cocoa and leather, a Excellent quality/price nicely paced and well
subtle blend of flavors ratio. made.
that works beautifully.

PARTAGAS

Culebras Habaneros Lusitanias
146 mm × 39 (15,48 mm) 125 mm × 39 (15,48 mm) 194 mm × 49 (19,45 mm)
Culebra (culebras) Petit panatella Double corona (prominentes)
Les 3 : F : 36,90 € ; AND : 16,20 € ; (belvederes) F : 16,30 € ; D : 16,80 € ; AND : 11,60 € ;
C : 16,49 € (20,85 CUC) ; F : 3,20 € ; D : 3,90 € ; AND : 2,38 €; BNL : 17 € ; C : 8,83 € (11,35 CUC) ;
SP:20€ ; I : 20,70 € ; C : 1,94 € (2,50 CUC) ; SP : 3,95 € ; SP : 17 € ; GB : 33,36 € (26,10 £) ;
CH:24,33 € (29,40 FS) P : 4,70 € I : 18,50 € ; P :18,80 € ;
For experienced smokers For all smokers CH : 19,54 € (23,60 FS)
AAAA AAA experienced smokers
This “grass snake” Definitely not a looker, AAAA

(culebra) is composed of but the cold draw is
three different classy – you are greeted The cold draw on this
intertwined cigars that with wet vegetal, sweet cigar releases cocoa,
should be smoked notes, spice and leather. earthy and woody
individually. The The first burn wins you aromas. The first puffs
Culebras is a curiosity, a over with bold, well- are full-bodied, revealing
torcedor’s feat, and a balanced flavor. Rich delicate hints of wet
marker in the history of notes of precious wood, earth and precious wood.
the Cuban cigar. Its black pepper and roasted This comfortable feeling
mythical status is not coffee get creamier as continues the cigar
undeserved either: you progress. Kudos to progresses. At one point,
after a vigorous, this convivial, dynamic, the double corona starts
full-bodied start well-rolled Partagas. to flag, losing a little
featuring strong, body, but as you head for
woody notes the the finish, it picks up
strength builds to a steam with dry earth,
crescendo, black pepper and grilled
exhaling chocolaty hazelnut tones. Although
flavors. The a slight lack of body this
Culebras is then year forced us to knock
harmonious, until off one band – whereas it
the roasted finish. had always received top
A full-bodied and marks – the Lusitanias
enjoyable smoke. still comes highly
recommended.

PARTAGAS
Partagas Partagas
Mille Fleurs Partagas de Luxe
129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 140 mm × 40 (15,87 mm)
Petit corona (petit coronas) Corona (cremas)
F : 3,90 € ; D : 4,85 € ; AND : 2,98 € ; F : 5,80 € ; D : 6,70 € ; AND : 4,16 € ;
BNL : 4,20 € ; C : 2,53 € (3,25 CUC) ; BNL : 6,20 € ; C : 3,46 € (4,45 CUC) ;
I : 4,80 € ; P : 4,95 € ; SP : 5,90 € ; I : 6,60 € ;
CH : 5,13 € (6,20 FS) CH : 7,29 € (8,80 FS)
AAA AAAA
Wrapped in a coarse This cigar has a cold
colorado wrapper, this draw punctuated by
little corona gives off a suint and black pepper.
whiff of cedar on the The start is full-bodied
cold draw. The first third with a strong mouthfeel.
has dark, woody tones. Nothing fancy, but
The flavors are strained, consistent. As you pull
the draw not always the through, it becomes
easiest. The Mille Fleurs much more harmonious
picks up drier, toasted (roasted cocoa, fresh peat
notes as you go along. and black pepper).
Balanced and well-paced, Stronger by the minute,
but lacking depth and the Partagas de Luxe
complexity. Linear proves its worth as a
smoke to the finish. well-balanced, satisfying
A solid, good smoke. This moderately-
value-for-money habano. priced cigar is a real
treat.

PARTAGAS

Petit Coronas Presidentes Salomones
Especiales 158 mm × 47 (18,65 mm) 184 mm × 57 (22,62 mm)
132 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) Figurado (tacos) Figurado (salomon)
Corona (eminentes) F : 8,60 € ; D : 9,90 € ; BNL: 10,40 €; F : 22,80 € ; AND : 14 € ;
F : 4,50 € ; D : 4,60 € ; AND : 3,34 € ; C :5,21 € (6,70 CUC) ; C: 8,36 € (10,75 CUC);
C : 2,33 € (3 CUC) ; SP : 10,15 € ; CH : 10,10 € (12,20 FS) I : 16,90 € ; P : 21,40 € ;
GB : 15,21 € (11,90 £) ; P : 4,70 € ; For all smokers CH : 20,70€ (25 FS)
CH : 5,13 € (6,20 FS) For experienced to very
For all smokers AAA experienced smokers
AAAA Despite its superb AAAA

construction, this
While the cold draw is figurado is no eye- The pre-light draw on
nothing to write home catcher. The cold draw is this huge figurado is
about, once you light up, low-key: just a hint of unassuming: hints of dry
the opening will very spice and wet earth. This vegetal and spices. It
quickly reassure cigar cigar is easy to light and lights up quickly and has
lovers. The first puffs are has a loose draw. A an excellent draw. The
bold and dynamic. It procession of flavors first third begins with a
produces a nice cloud of reaches the palate: roast balsamic ambiance
smoke with whiffs of coffee, tanned leather, progressing towards
balsamic, earthy and wet leaves and balsamic roasted (coffee) and
vegetal tones. As you notes. A good, solid musky notes. Impressive
progress, the habano smoke, underpinned by and persistent, this full
picks up roasted coffee perfectly channeled strength Salomones
and dried fruit notes. strength. Your basic builds up slowly to a
The strength is perfectly habano, lacking in depth crescendo of rich
measured. Its flavor but a straightforward, (mocha, underbrush,
profile is a bit limited but pleasant smoke. dried fruit). Highly
consistent. A good old- recommended.
fashioned cigar.

PARTAGAS

Seleccion Privada Serie D N° 4 Serie D N° 5
Limited edition 2014 124 mm × 50 (19,84 mm) 110 mm × 50 (19,84 mm)
160 mm × 50 (19,84 mm) Robusto (robustos) Robusto (D n° 5)
Grand robusto F : 12,70 € ; D : 10,30 € ; AND : 8,40 € ; F: 11,50 € ; D: 9 € ; AND : 7,18 €;
(magnum 50) BNL : 11,40 € ; C : 5,41 € (6,95 CUC) ; BNL: 10,50 € ; C: 4,78 € (6,15 CUC):
F : 19 € ; D : 18 € ; GB : 34,66 € (27,30 £) SP : 11 € ; GB : 21,99 € (17,20 £) ; SP : 9,30 € ; I: 9,90 € ; P : 10,30 € ;
I : 16 € ; CH : 19,87€ (24 FS) I : 12 € ; P : 12,40 € ; CH : 12,09 € (14,60 FS) GB : 20,96 € (16,40 £) ;
For experienced smokers For experienced to very CH : 10,43 € (12,60 FS)
experienced smokers For experienced smokers
AAAAA
AAAA AAAA
A beautiful, well- Always pleasing to the This is one neat,
proportioned cigar, eye, this Partagas starts well-rolled cigar. The
draped in a uniformly off with a bang, first draw is a lively
colored maduro interweaving flavors of wake-up call, giving off
colorado wrapper. cedar and pepper. This is some fleeting bitter
Densely filled and one robust cigar. First notes. The smoke is
particularly silky to the dry wood, then earthy chock-full of tanned
touch, the cold draw tones, this habano reveals leather, woody, fresh
features aromas of lichen its dark, highly virile walnut and pepper
and bitter cocoa. After character throughout. A aromas. Notes of dried
an elegant and few welcome notes of fruit are prominent
seductively smooth start, cocoa lead up to a before making way for
notes of leather and satisfying finish. roasted coffee. Its
gently toasted cocoa Dynamic and full-bodied, simplicity makes for
appear. In the second it’s hard not to like the powerful, effective and
third, its subtle and D4. Its only weakness is a well-paced smoke. Sit
complex flavor profile certain lack of aromatic back and enjoy.
demands your attention: depth and complexity.
mushroom, buttered
toast, cocoa, and wet
earth. Overall, this is a
smooth, docile, relaxing,
and consistently
excellent smoke. This
Partagas then takes on a
more balsamic tinge but
remains harmonious and
sophisticated thanks to
its impeccably balanced
strength. After a few
years’ ageing, this cigar
may well go down as one
of the best around. A real
hit and undeniable proof
of the Cubans’ talent…
when they put their
minds to it!

PARTAGAS

Serie D N° 6 Serie E N° 2 Serie P N° 2
90 mm × 50 (19,84 mm) 140 mm × 54 (21,43 mm) 156 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Petit robusto (D n°6) Grand robusto (duke) Figurado (piramides)
F : 8,50 € ; I : 8,40 € ; F : 13,50 € ; D: 12,30 € ; AND : 10 € ; F : 13,30 € ; D : 12,10 € ; AND : 9,20 € ;
CH : 8,28 € (10 FS) BNL: 12,50 € ; C: 6,57 € (8,45 CUC) ; BNL : 13,30 € ; C : 6,38 € (8,20 CUC) ;
For all smokers GB : 33,24 € (26 £) ;SP : 13,95 € ; SP : 12,70 € ; GB : 27,10 € (21,20 £) ;
I: 12,80 € ; P : 14,30 € ; I : 13,60 € ; P : 14 €;
AAA CH : 13,25 € (16 FS) CH : 14,08 € (17 FS)
For very experienced For experienced smokers
This little robusto with a smokers
smooth, well-rolled AAA
colorado wrapper AAAAA
whispers woody and oily Nice touches of humus
hints before lighting up. Impeccable wrapper. and underbrush on the
The initial impression, The pre-light flavors flirt cold draw. The opening
woody with a touch of with earthy and gamey is smoother than
hazelnut, lacks elegance. notes. A full-bodied start smooth, bringing out
As you progress into the sends out smoke tendrils mild woody tones and
cigar, it becomes more with notes of wood and hints of pepper. A little
harmonious – woody, brioche before becoming earthier and spicier with
dried fruit and earthy more complex. Puff after roasted notes as you
aromas. Good puff, the Partagas gives smoke through, this
construction but a little out roasted, balsamic Partagas becomes more
humdrum. Despite cedar and earthy flavors. It is virile and assertive. A
bark and pepper pick- sophisticated, highly well-structured, decent
me-ups in the last third, complex, and persistent. smoke, but one lacking
this Partagas lacks Keeps you interested in imagination and
complexity. Stouthearted from start to finish. A aromatic complexity.
but a tad tedious, it could great Cuban cigar. The finish gets a tad
use a shot of creativity. aggressive. Too bad – it
deserved a better blend.

PARTAGAS
Partagas Partagas
Shorts Super Partagas
110 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 140 mm × 40 (15,87 mm)
Très petit corona (minutos) Corona (coronas)
F : 6,10 € ; D : 6,20 € ; AND : 3,16 € ; F : 4 € ; D : 4,60 € ; AND : 3,10 € ;
BNL : 6,40 € ; C : 2,65 € (3,40 CUC) ; C : 2,33 € (3 CUC) ; SP : 5,15 € ;
SP : 3,50 € ; GB : 13,29 € (10,40 £) ; P : 4,70 € ; CH : 4,97 € (6 FS)
I : 7,20 € ;P : 5,50 € ; CH : 6,62 € (8 FS) For experienced smokers
For all smokers
AAA
AAA
From the moment you
The pre-light draw is light up, this Partagas is
unassuming and it takes on. The first pull or two
a while to really get are slightly bitter and dry
going. The first few pulls your mouth. Featuring
are mild, giving off wet fairly strained woody
vegetal and earthy notes. and earthy flavors, the
As it progresses, you pick Super Partagas doesn’t
up more balsamic and ooze character. Despite
roasted flavors and the being somewhat linear,
strength is just right. it’s a more than decent
Increasingly full-bodied, smoke. Good robust
it curiously becomes very flavor without overdoing
monotonous. The last it. After a warm second
third lacks aromatic third, the cigar tires
appeal and magnitude. toward the end with
Been there, done that… bitter undertones. This
Must do better. old-fashioned stick has
its limits, but manages to
hold its own.

POR LARRAÑAGA
POR Por Larrañaga Por Larrañaga

LARRAÑAGA Montecarlos
159 mm × 33 (13,10 mm)
Panetelas
127 mm × 37 (14,68 mm)
Panatella (deliciosos) Petit panatella (vegueritos)
I t is not easy to survive on such a
thin catalog and outmoded image,
away from the splash made by more
F : 3,80 € ; D : 4,50 € ; AND : 2,64 €;
BNL: 4,20 € ; C :2,37 € (3,05 CUC) ;
F : 2,90 € ; D : 3,20 € ; AND : 1,64 € ;
BNL : 2,80 € ; C :1,28 € (1,65 CUC) ;
I : 4,60 €;CH : 4,31 € (5,20 FS) P : 2,30 € ; CH : 2,57 € (3,10 FS)
media saavy brands. Nevertheless, For experienced smokers For all smokers
Por Larrañaga doesn’t fare that
AAAA AA
poorly. The thin Montecarlos will
bring back the most delicate palate This little panatella
to life and the Petit Coronas earns an exudes precious wood
average grade this year. We can only The initial bitterness and vegetal scents as
quickly makes way for soon as you light up, but
recommend this old-fashioned brand, rich and creamy smoke, these are overpowered by
which miraculously managed to with delicious woody bitterness. As the
survive. It contributes to the Cuban and peppery hints. The strength builds, this Por
Montecarlos may be Larrañaga opens onto
cigar diversity by unleashing an strong, but it is measured grilled notes (hazelnut)
irresistible and rare Havana aroma. to perfection. In fact, it’s and hints of cocoa. The
even quite smooth, last third is pleasantly
Por Larrañaga The brand was launched in teasing the palate with spicy (red pepper). This
1834 by Ignacio Larrañaga, a Spaniard from Gui- hints of cocoa and is a full strength and full-
púzcoa. He first settled on calle O’Reilly before honey. The end is well bodied cigar when it’s
moving to calle San Miguel. Antonio Rivero structured and well rolled.
Martínez acquired the brand in 1875. The factory harmonious. The last few Unfortunately, this is not
was the first one to use machines yet it enjoyed puffs tend to be samey. A always the case.
a stellar reputation. The skills of its torcedores beautifully put-together
were such that it was soon called « the habano cigar that could be the
university ». The Lanceros de Cohiba creator, one to save a neglected
Eduardo Rivera, worked as a roller there before brand. Our hero!
1959. So did those who helped him develop the
torcedores school which was soon to become
El Laguito manufacture. « There is peace in a
Larranaga, there is calm in a Henry Clay» declared
Rudyard Kipling in The Bethroted. Henry Clays
have disappeared. There are three Por Larrañaga
left. They are produced in La Corona factory.

PUNCH
Por Larrañaga PUNCH

Petit Coronas
129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Petit corona (marevas)
L ast year, this very classic brand
inherited a feared trophy: the Big
Loser. There is no restart in sight this
F : 6,10 € ; D : 6 € ; AND : 4,10 € ;
BNL: 6,40 € ; C : 2,57 € (3,30 CUC) ; season. The progress is simply too
GB : 13,55 € (10,60 £) ;
timid. Most of the catalog items keep
I : 6,60 € ; CH : 6,96 € (8,40 FS)
For all smokers the same grades, below their
potential. A bad news: the
AAA emblematic Churchill disappears. The
label lacks ambition. Punch is thus
An aroma of cedar and
cloves comes through on under surveillance.
the pre-light draw. Lights
up fast. The smoke Punch It is believed that a German fellow
carries hints of toasted named Stockmann in 1840 registered the Punch
hazelnuts, bark and brand. Its name could be the name of a famous
pepper. The Petit British puppet visible on the label vistas. In any
Coronas is intense from case, Manuel López Fernández (from the Juan
the get-go. It becomes Valle company) became the brand owner in 1884.
darker and more full- He proceeded to guide the cigar to the modern
flavored as it progresses, era by ditching every reference to luxury, terroir
never losing its peppery and manufacture and designing a product which
overtones. Despite the flavor and commercial appeal were adapted to
strength and body of this the audience to which it was destined: the British
cigar, the last third is connoisseur. The brand reached its peak between
harmonious, not 1898 and 1922, thanks to Stockmann’s creativity
aggressive. Be prepared and dedication. In 1930, Punch joined the
for a strong finish. A Fernández-Palacio group. Until the revolution,
well-balanced and up- its cigars were produced at the Rayo Street factory
front little habano. along the Belindas, La Escepción and Hoyos de
Monterrey. A Limited Edition, the Punch Serie
d’Oro N °2, was launched last year.

PUNCH
Punch Punch
Coronations Double Coronas
129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 194 mm × 49 (19,45 mm)
Petit corona (petit coronas) Double corona
F : 5 € ; D : 6,30 € ; C :3 € (3,85 CUC) ; (prominentes)
GB : 14,19 € (11,10 £) F : 14,50 € ; D : 16 € ; BNL : 16 € ;
For all smokers C : 8,48 € (10,90 CUC) ;
GB : 33,24 € (26 £) ;
AA CH : 18,71 € (22,60 FS)
Out of the box, this cigar
is nothing to look at. The AAA
pre-light aroma is
slightly floral, while the Zero points for
first puff introduces aesthetics. On the other
grassy tones. Subtle hints hand, the cold draw is
of wood and spice are no nice and tasty (wet
match for the overall vegetal, spices and sweet
bitterness as you notes). The opening is
progress. The last third is calm and full-bodied.
a bit more balanced, but The smoke sends out
this cigar’s blend is just vegetal, woody and spicy
not up to scratch. aromas before timidly
moving into more
roasted and tanned
leather tones. Not
enough strength or
complexity. This cigar is
monotonous and low on
energy. Better luck next
time.

PUNCH
Punch Punch Punch

Petit Coronation Punch Punch Royal Coronation
117 mm × 40 (15,87 mm) 143 mm × 46 (18,26 mm) 145 mm × 43 (17,07 mm)
Petit corona (coronitas) Corona gorda Grand corona (conservas)
F : 5,50 € ; D : 5,60 € ; (coronas gordas) F : 8,10 € ; D : 8,30 € ; AND : 4,66 €;
C :2,84 € (3,65 CUC) ; SP : 4,75 € ; F : 11,20 € ; D : 10,60 € ; AND : 7,40 € ; C : 3,62 € (4,65 CUC)
GB :12,27 € (9,60 £) ; I : 5,80 € BNL : 11,40 € ; C : 5,64 € (7,25 CUC) ; For all smokers
For all smokers SP : 10,50 € ; GB : 21,48 € (16,80 £) ;
I : 12,40 € ; P : 12 € ; AA
AA CH : 12,26 € (14,80 FS)
For experienced smokers This cigar’s rustic
This plain-looking appearance goes well
pocket Punch lights up AAAA with the old cedar notes
fast. The full-bodied in the pre-light draw.
smoke embraces woody A no-nonsense After lighting, the smoke
and vegetal aromas. Full appearance for a hassle- gives off woody and wet
strength, which free cut and light. The earth tones. This Punch
unfortunately tends to Punch Punch’s pre-light maintains a narrow
overpower the flavors. draw brings out hints of flavor profile through the
Underbrush and earthy leather and dusty notes. first two thirds before
tones slowly take over, Once lit, it deploys livening up. Get ready
making this Punch a woody and oily aromas. for a full strength finish
virile smoke but with no It quickly develops into a that leaves a satisfying,
real depth. The last third spicy smoke with almost brutal aftertaste.
is chaotic at best and undertones of humus, A limited range of
leaves a dry mouthfeel. leather and peat. Its flavors and a rousing,
Not an enjoyable smoke. strength builds intense finish: the
progressively with a archetypical “hunting
succession of wood, cigar”.
musk, tanned leather,
suint and roasted coffee
notes. The unmistakable
flavor of this Punch is
reserved for fans of
potent, rugged cigars.

PUNCH
Punch QUAI
Serie d’Oro N° 2
Limited edition 2013
D’ORSAY
140 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Grand robusto (campanas)
F : 13,50 € ; AND: 9,60€ ;
C: 8,21 € (:10,55 CUC) ;
B ad news for the aficionados: the
production of the Imperiales,
beacons of the brand, was canceled.
GB: 29,15 € (22,80 £) ;
P: 17 €; CH: 16,56 € (20 FS) Now the catalog only offers the
For experienced smokers Coronas Claro and two regional
AAAA France Editions. Three healthy,
balanced, delicate and aromatic
A handsome but sober- cigars benefiting from a good
looking Punch, which
price/quality ratio. Will that be
offers up notes of wood,
spices, vegetal in the cold enough to slow down the decline of
draw. East to light and a brand suffering from a chronic
mild. This balanced, full- image deficit? Try them, you won’t
strength Serie d’Oro
immediately produces be disappointed. And enjoy the few
very creamy woody Imperiales left still available in
flavors. As the cigar smoke shops. The only French-Cuban
progresses, its strong brand is always worth it.
personality is confirmed,
and it becomes deep and
spicy (pepper), exhaling Quai d’Orsay The Seita created the Quai
gamey notes. The final d’Orsay cigars in 1973 for the French market.
third is a little samey but Thus their name evoking the company’s old
balanced and virile address. The suave liga and its usually light
overall up to the finish. A wrapper make it a precursor of the modern
punchy Punch! habano. Yet it isn’t enough to free this elegant
label from the tiny niche it seems to be confined
in. A very small production could signify the
pure and simple disappearance of the brand.
This year, a third vitola, the Imperiales, was
discontinued. On the other hand, the Éditions
régionales France enjoys a well-deserved success.

QUAI D’ORSAY
Quai d’Orsay Quai d’Orsay

Belicoso Royal Coronas Claro
Édition régionale France 142 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
2013 Corona (coronas)
125 mm × 50 (19,84 mm) F : 9,20 € ; BNL: 9,20€;
Figurado (petit belicosos) C: 4,24 € (5,45 CUC) ;
F : 12,90 € CH: 8,61 € (10,40 FS)
For experienced smokers For experienced to very
experienced smokers
AAAA
AAAA
The Belicoso Royal is
very well filled and the This good-looking
cold draw reveals just a Coronas has a pre-light
hint of sawdust. Smooth flavor featuring faint
and pleasant right off the grassy notes. It lights up
bat, you detect precious nice and easily. Smooth
woods and licorice, then from the outset, this
coffee tones. An cigar gives off fresh
essentially woody (cedar) walnut and subtle vanilla
flavor profile, happily aromas with roasted and
accented by peppery vegetal overtones. The
notes. An easy, even, strength builds gradually
medium-strength cigar at a perfect pace. Notes
that has just enough of cedar and leather
charm to provide an show up in the final
enjoyable smoke. third. This Quai d’Orsay
serves up a serene smoke
for quiet enjoyment.
Excellent value for
money.

QUAI D’ORSAY
QUINTERO
L ovely season for Quintero. The
brand produces modest, cheap
yet well balanced and made items.
The rather small catalog is
progressing. Let’s salute the petit
corona Londres Extra and petit
panatella Panetelas’s progress. They
win a ring. You won’t find complex,
deep or unforgettable habanos in
the Quintero House but it would be
unfair to ignore this rustic and
sympathetic Cuban label.
Quintero This brand adventure started in

1924 in Cienfuegos, one of Cuba’s main harbors,
when Agustín Quintero opened a traditional
factory (chinchal) with his brother. It became
successful in 1940 under the name Quintero y
Hermano. The principal market was Spain.
Machine made in the 80s, these short habanos
are now hand rolled. A new format, the Petit
Quintero, appeared this year.

QUINTERO
Quintero Quintero Quintero

Favoritos Londres Extra Nacionales
124 mm × 50 (19,84 mm) 123 mm × 40 (15,87 mm) 140 mm × 40 (15,87 mm)
Robusto (conchas n° 2) Petit corona (standard) Corona (nacionales)
F : 3,20 € ; D: 3 € ; AND: 2,34 € ; F : 2,70 € ; D : 2,75 € ; AND : 1,72 € ; F : 2,80 € ; D : 3,20 € ; AND : 1,40 € ;
BNL: 3,20 € ; C: 1,71 € (2,20 CUC) ; BNL : 2,60 € ; C : 1,40 € (1,80 CUC) ; BNL : 2,90 € ; C :1,44 € (1,85 CUC) ;
SP : 3,10 € ; GB: 14,57 € (11,40 £) ; SP : 2,25 € ; P : 2,60 € ; P : 2,50 € ; CH : 2,90 € ( 3,50 FS)
I: 2,90 € ; P: 3,45 € ; CH : 2,73 € (3,30 FS) Short filler
CH: 3,23 € (3,90 FS Short filler For all smokers
Short filler For all smokers
For all smokers AAA
AA
AAA Attractively rustic, the
Once you get past its pre-light draw brings out
The opening of this crude appearance, the faint woody scents. Easy
simple, well-made Londres Extra has an to light up. This
robusto is extremely appealing cold draw with Quintero gives off just
pleasant. The smoke has a wet vegetal aroma. The the right amount of wet
pleasantly spicy vegetal cigar is easy to light up earth, wood and vegetal
aromas. Its strength but seems to peter out tones. Never reaches full
builds gradually. As the quickly: it tends to go strength, but plenty of
cigar progresses, the soft. The flavor profile flavors to enjoy.
Favoritos veers towards ranges from wet earth to Enjoyable to the end,
woody, then earthy humus with a few hints even if it could use a little
tones. Very good draw. of tar adding a bitter more kick. Well rolled,
The last third is bold and touch. Too limited. pleasant, and easy to
full strength: the aromas smoke.
(wet earth, leather,
pepper) burst forth,
intense and tasty. If the
whole cigar was the same
as the last third, this
Quintero could play in
the big leagues. All in all,
an excellent smoke.

RAFAEL GONZALEZ
Quintero Quintero RAFAEL

Panetelas
127 mm × 37 (14,68 mm)
Petit Quinteros
105 mm × 43 (17,07 mm)
GONZALEZ
Petit panatella (vegueritos) Très petit corona
F : 2,90 € ; D : 2,30 € ; AND : 1,32 € ;
BNL : 2,40 € ; C :1,13 € (1,45 CUC) ;
(petit cazadores)
F : 2,20 € ; D : 2,10 € ; BNL : 2 € ; SP : 1,50
E ven though small brands are
going through difficult times,
Rafael Gonzalez does more than just
GB : 10,10 (7,90 £) ; € ; I : 2,40 € ; P : 1,85 € ;
CH : 2,40 € (2,90 FS) CH : 2,07 € (2,50 FS) survive. Sure enough, the label is
Short filler Short filler fragile. It is a house of cards, ready to
fly away with the first strong wind. It
AAA AA would be a shame: its catalog might
neither be revolutionary nor
The first draws on this The new kid on the remarkable but it offers a bouquet of
little panatella are light block gives off nice dried
and remote, before the leaf notes on the cold cigars nicely priced and easy to
light wood and leather draw. Once lit, it hits the smoke. Besides, the Petit Coronas
notes settle in, quickly palate running. Despite won an additional ring and has now
joined by a hint of grilled fairly dry aromatic notes
hazelnut. The aromatic (woody, vegetal), this an average grade. In short, if not
range stops there. This is cigar starts off as an easy complex, the cigars are consistent
a very limited but smoke. It then moves and well made.
accessible cigar with no into much earthier tones
major flaws. An everyday with fairly linear aromas.
habano even novice The last third – youthful Rafael Gonzalez The story of this brand is
smokers can enjoy. excess? – develops a complicated. The most recent investigations
sharp bite. A modest mention the Flor de Gonzalez acquisition by El
habano with limited Rey del Mundo in 1936. It appears that the exis-
range, but enough tence of the Marquis Rafael Gonzaléz, the great
character to keep things Spanish nobleman represented on the box lid,
interesting. is nothing more than a legend. The character
could very well have been invented. He seems
to be a hybrid of two tabaqueros from Vuelta
Abajo: Márquez and Rafael Gonzaléz. In 1940,
the brand adopted the name La Flor de Rafael
Gonzaléz before – still under the auspices of El
Rey del Mundo- taking its current name, La Flor
de Rafael Gonzalez Marquez. After the revolution,
the brand almost disappeared. It was nursed
back to life in 1965 by presenting itself as El
Rey del Mundo’s twin.

RAFAEL GONZALEZ
Rafael Gonzalez Rafael Gonzalez

Panetelas Extra Perlas
127 mm × 37 (14,68 mm) 102 mm × 40 (15,87 mm)
Petit panatella (vegueritos) Très petit corona (perla)
F : 2,90 € ; D : 2,70 € ; AND : 1,38 € ; F : 4,40 € ; D: 4,20 ; AND: 2,16 € ;
BNL: 2,60€; C : 1,28 € (1,65 CUC) ; BNL: 4,20 € ; C: 2,26 € (2,90 CUC) ;
I : 2,90 € ; P : 2,35 € ; SP: 2,40 € ; GB: 10,74 € (8,40 £) ;
CH :2,73 € (3,30 FS) I: 3,40 € ; P: 3,60 € ;
Short filler CH: 4,64 € (5,60 FS)
AAA AA
The first puffs of this This habano is firm to
pleasant-looking petit the touch and densely
panatella are slightly filled. The first puffs are
labored and astringent. It harsh and the draw is
gets better though, and uneven. Very quickly,
the Panetelas Extra let’s the strength overpowers
itself go. Light strength, a woody and grassy
with notes of toasted flavor profile. Poorly
almond on a pleasant constructed at times, this
woody base and graced cigar burns unevenly.
with touches of wet Too bad greater care
earth, cocoa and pepper didn’t go into this Perlas
throughout. One can before it left the factory.
hardly ask more of a
cigar whose format
doesn’t really promote
wild aromatic
expression.
Recommendable.

RAMON ALLONES
Rafael Gonzalez RAMON Ramon Allones

Petit Coronas
129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
ALLONES Allones
Specially Selected
Petit corona (marevas) 124 mm × 50 (19,84 mm)
F : 6,30 € ; D: 6 € ; AND : 3,10 € ; Robusto (robustos)
C : 3,03 € (3,90 CUC) ; SP : 3,85 € ;
GB : 13,68 € (10,70 £) ;
H ere is an old house that couldn’t
be healthier! The catalog is short
(four vitolas only) but offers refined
F : 10,50 € ; D : 8,90 € ; AND : 7,18 € ;
BNL : 10 € ; C : 4,71 € (6,05 CUC) ;
CH : 7,04 € (8,50 FS) SP : 10,45 € ; GB : 20,45 € (16 £) ;
For all smokers and aromatic choice items, neither of I : 10,90 € ; P : 11,50 € ;
CH : 11,26 € (13,60 FS)
which are below average. The Small
AAA For experienced to very
Club Coronas boasts four rings; two experienced smokers
Pre-light, this Rafael cigars have five and the Gigantes
Gonzalez tastes of wet earned one of our 2015 “coups de AAAAA
earth and black tea. The
cœur”! We can only encourage our
first puffs are supple and Pre-light, this beautiful
seductive. Hints of readers to try these rare, intense and robusto is fairly subtle
humus are joined by reasonably priced habanos, even with just a little sawdust
notes of tanned leather though they are hard to find. and pepper. Lighting it
and a little honey. As the corrects this weakness:
strength builds, this Overshadowed by more spectacular the first puffs are lively,
Cuban gets more brands, Ramon Allones remains a the smoke abundant and
«rustic». Touches of highly recommendable house. thick. Earthy, spicy
crushed walnut, fresh flavors, with a little cedar
mushroom and wet earth and cocoa leave a good
then start to dominate. Ramon Allones Two brothers from Galicia, mouthfeel. Well-paced,
The finish is linear. Very Ramón and Antonio Allones, launched this label the Ramon Allones
measured and pleasant. in 1846. It was the first label to decorate its becomes progressively
boxes with vistas (representing the arms of the more fragrant, powerful,
Spain House). The boxes were made in a Havana and sophisticated. A
workshop called La Eminencia. The firm owned carefree and sharp
one of Vuelta Abajo’s most beautiful fincas, El robusto; macho but with
Corojo. Ramón Allones was a true innovator. deep and delicate flavors.
He turned the habano into a symbol of luxury.
From 1903 to 1905, assisted by his brother, he
led the organization of landowners bent on
resisting the land grab orchestrated by the Ame-
rican Tobacco Company. Unfortunately for him,
he had to cede the brand to British investors
regrouped in the firm Hunters in 1911. England
thus became the world exclusive marketer of
the brand. In 1932, the Ramon Allones brand
became the property of the Cifuentes (Partagas)
family while the UK kept its monopoly. For a
long time, one could only find Ramon Allones
cigars in England.

RAMON ALLONES
Ramon Allones Ramon Allones

Gigantes Small Club Coronas
194 mm × 49 (19,45 mm) 110 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Double corona Petit corona (minutos)
(prominentes) F : 5,50 € ; D : 5,50 € ; AND : 3,18 €;
F : 14,40 € ; D : 15,20 € ; AND : 9,60 € ; BNL : 5,60 € ; C : 2,84 € (3,65 CUC) ;
BNL : 15,20 € ; C : 8,13 € (10,45 CUC) ; SP : 4 € ; GB : 12,40 € (9,70 £) ;
GB : 32,85 € (25,70 £) ; I : 7 € ; P : 5,30 € ; CH : 6,13 € (7,40 FS)
I : 15,50 € ; P : 16,10 € ; For all smokers
CH : 17,55 € (21,20 FS)
For experienced to very AAAA
experienced smokers
The cold draw of this
AAAAA small cigar features
cocoa and hazelnut. Easy
to light, the flavors are
apparent right from the
The Gigantes is great to start. After a few touches
look at and even the cold of bitterness, the Small
draw gets the pulse Club offers up precious
racing with notes of fresh wood, cocoa, with
hazelnut and wet earth. aromas of wet earth and
After lighting it is peat. The strength then
captivating. The first builds, but not
puffs are elegant and the excessively. The flavors
cigar offers up a (hazelnut, cocoa, leather)
generous range of are sharp and the draw
flavors: cocoa beans, wet excellent. Good
underbrush, humus, and persistence. An inventive
musk. Toasted flavors smoke that is full of
(hazelnut) make it a little character. Good value for
smoother and mellower. money.
Perfectly measured, the
Ramon Allones keeps the
smoker on his toes. An
intense smoke that
deserves a round of
applause.

ROMEO Y JULIETA
ROMEO Romeo y Julieta Romeo y Julieta

Y JULIETA Belicosos
140 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Cazadores
162 mm × 43 (17,07 mm)
Figurado (campanas) Lonsdale (cazadores)
S tability and modernity are two

virtues that can be credited to
this glorious Cuban brand. Empire
F : 12,40 € ; D : 11,60 € ; AND : 7,20 €;
BNL : 12,20 € ; C : 6,07 € (7,80 CUC) ;
SP : 11,30 € ; GB : 23,91 € (18,70 £) ;
F : 8,30 € ; D : 9,70 € ; AND : 6,20 € ;
BNL : 9,20€; C : 5,02 € (6,45 CUC) ;
SP : 8,60 €; GB : 20,45 € (16 £) ;
I : 12,10 € ; CH : 13,41 € (16,20 FS) P : 8,80 € ; CH : 8,61 € (10,40 FS)
within the empire, the revered
For experienced smokers For experienced smokers
Romeo y Julieta is particularly adept
at reinventing classics. The result? A AAAA AAA
brand skilled at rebirth, as proven by
the superb Churchills series. The Pre-light, the Belicosos Pre-light, this
features notes of fern. aggressive-looking cigar
Belicosos may have lost a ring, The start is quite simple offers up dried vegetal
Romeos are still doing well. The and the draw is perfect, notes and hints of
Cedros de Luxe N° 3, the Coronitas en offering up more and underbrush. The first
more spicy and roasted puffs are lively. A bit
Cedro and the Mille Fleurs get a woody flavors. Overall, hardy but well balanced.
passing grade. The label plays a rounded and slightly A virile blend with notes
reassuring score by continuing to caramelized. Then the of roasted coffee, fresh
present familiar items. What would cigar becomes more peat, toast, and barnyard.
earthy, with touches of The strength is well
the habano universe be without dried fruit. The strength calibrated and the smoke
Romeo? builds. The finish is less full-bodied and rich.
balanced, a little too mild Quite recommended.
and mellow, with the
Romeo y Julieta Romeo y two Asturians, woody and spicy notes
Inocencio Álvarez and Manín García created tending to fade. Perfectly
Julieta in 1873. Delight, seduction, and tragedy: recommended.
the choice of the name evokes the romanticism
of the era. When he buys the brand in 1903,
the legendary and charismatic don Pepín Rodríguez
instinctively understands what he can make of
the symbol. A brilliant marketer, at the time
considered the world best habano salesman;
he even entertains the idea of buying the Capulet
palace in Verona to turn it into a cigar shop!
His nephew Hipólito will further develop and
modernize the brand. World famous in the 50s,
Romeo y Julieta specializes in figurados. The
famous Churchills made for the British Prime
Minister Sir Wilson are produced at 852 calle
Belascoaín. The manufacture no longer exists.
The cigars are now rolled in three large Havana
factories.

ROMEO Y JULIETA
Romeo y Julieta Romeo y Julieta Romeo y Julieta

Cedros de Luxe N° 1 Cedros de Luxe N° 2 Cedros de Luxe N° 3
165 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 142 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Lonsdale (cervantes) Corona (coronas) Petit corona (marevas)
F : 9,50 € ; D : 10,60 € ; AND : 5,90 €; F : 8,90 € ; D : 9,30 € ; AND : 5,80 € ; F : 8,30 € ; D : 7,40 € ; AND : 4,56 € ;
BNL : 11,40 € ; C : 4,67 € (6 CUC) ; BNL : 10 € ; C :4,90 € (6,30 CUC) ; BNL : 7,70 € ; C : 3,81 € (4,90 CUC) ;
GB : 21,35 € (16,70 £) ; P : 10,30 €; SP : 8,20 € ; GB : 18,54 € (14,50 £) ; SP : 6,10 € ; GB :15,21 € (11,90 £) ;
CH : 12,26 € (14,80 FS) CH : 11,10 € (13,40 FS) I : 8 € ; P :6,70 € ;
For all smokers For experienced smokers CH : 8,20 € (9,90 FS)
For all smokers
AAA AAAA
AAA
Pre-light, this habano This Cedros N° 2’s
offers up notes of cedar architecture is simple but This pretty petit corona
and wet bark. A supple balanced, and it is smells slightly of tanned
start with not much perfectly filled. Pre-light, leather pre-light. The
smoke but good woody the cigar gives off aromas start is smooth and
and earthy flavors. The of dried wood. It starts seductive. The notes of
first third is pretty with an attractive and wood and leather are
smooth, before peppery effective pairing of wood punctuated by honeyed
notes add a little spice to and underbrush. The hints and a little spice.
proceedings. A rather overall impression is Overall mellow and
monotonous smoke, supple and the smoke is balanced, despite rather
despite a few hints of abundant. The strength light strength. The finish
coffee. The finish is full- builds well, revealing is linear and leaves a
bodied, and can overheat spicy hints. The final pleasant impression.
slightly, a common fault third is more fleshy and This Cuban is a bit
on lonsdales. This Cedros structured. A habano monotonous, but is well
de luxe N° 1 is a pleasant that lacks complexity balanced.
smoke, even if it is little and body, but is very well
lacking in creativity. balanced and friendly.

ROMEO Y JULIETA
Romeo y Julieta Romeo y Julieta

Churchills Coronitas en Cedro
178 mm × 47 (18,65 mm) 129 mm × 40 (15,87 mm)
Churchill (julieta 2) Corona (petit cetros)
F : 15 € ; D : 14,80 € ; AND : 10,60 € ; F : 3,70 € ; D : 4,50 € ; AND : 2,79 €;
BNL : 17 € ; C : 7,86 € (10,10 CUC) ; C : 2,26 € (2,90 CUC) ; P : 5 €
SP : 16 € ; GB : 31,83 € (24,90 £) ; For all smokers
I : 19,20 € ; P : 18 € ;
CH : 17,39 € (21 FS) AAA
experienced smokers The cold draw of this
Romeo features notes of
AAAA sawdust, mushroom, and
fern. The start is woody
Pre-light this cigar and full-bodied, leaving a
features notes of wet prickly feel on the
earth and spices. The tongue. The smoke then
start is lively but mellow: becomes more supple
Romeo offers up a and smooth. Next, it
bouquet of wet earth, serves up a more earthy
wood, and notes of dead and peppery atmosphere.
leaves. A range of spicy Roasted flavors (coffee)
notes enriches the smoke and notes of tanned
and the strength builds. leather appear towards
Full-bodied with toasted the end. Easy to hold,
and roasted notes. attractively made and
Precious wood, coffee, lively, this Coronitas en
wet earth and a few peaty Cedro is a pleasant
hints complete the surprise.
profile. Lacks a little
complexity but still an
excellent smoke. Highly
recommended.

ROMEO Y JULIETA

Exhibicion N° 3 Exhibicion N° 4 Julieta
143 mm × 46 (18,26 mm) 127 mm × 48 (19,05 mm) 120 mm × 33 (13,10 mm)
Corona gorda Robusto (hermosos n° 4) Demi-tasse (julieta n° 6)
(coronas gordas) F : 9,50 € ; D : 9,70 € ; AND : 6,76 € ; F: 3,80 €; D: 5,60 € ; AND : 3,70 €;
F : 11,30 € ; AND : 7,14 €; C : 5,06 € (6,50 CUC) ;: BNL: 5 €; C: 2,92 € (3,75 CUC);
C: 5,76 € (7,40 CUC) ; SP : 11 € ; GB : 19,81 € (15,50 £) ; P : 11,90 € ; SP : 5,60 € ; P: 6 ; I : 5,20 € ;
GB : 21,99 € (17,20 £) CH : 11,10 € (13,40 FS) CH : 5,63 € (6,80 FS)
For experienced smokers For experienced to very For all smokers
experienced smokers
AAA A
AAAA
A mild start with an easy Vegetal and spicy right
draw, decent strength, The pre-light draw of from the start. Very
and a good volume of this strict-looking samey until halfway
fragrant smoke. The robusto offers up tasty through, it only features
cigar soon offers up vegetal, spicy, and sweet a few toasted and roasted
flavors of precious wood notes. The start is direct, notes when the strength
and wet earth. Toasted sophisticated, and easy. returns. The finish is
and roasted notes Woody-spicy flavors are smooth, but with no real
complete the profile but there as well as notes of conviction. A muddled
once the first third is leather and roasted smoke – this Julieta is a
finished, this Romeo coffee. Earthy and little girl lost.
becomes dark and dull. balsamic, the Exhibicion
Excessive strength N° 4 is full strength but
muddles the flavors in never overpowering. An
the final third. An «old-fashioned» and very
attractive habano that measured Cuban cigar.
just needs to learn to Highly recommended.
control itself.

ROMEO Y JULIETA

Mille Fleurs Petit Churchills Petit Coronas
129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 102 mm × 50 (19,84 mm) 129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Petit corona (petit coronas) Petit robusto Petit corona (marevas)
F : 3,90 € ; D : 4,20 € ; AND : 2,98 € ; (petit robusto) F : 7,50 € ; D : 7,10 € ; AND : 4,88 € ;
BNL : 4,20 € ; C : 2,45 € (3,15 CUC) ; F: 8,90 € ; D : 8,60 € ; AND : 6,08 €; BNL : 7,40 € ; C : 3,70 € (4,75 CUC) ;
SP : 4 € ; P : 4,95 € ; CH : 5,13 € (6,20 FS) BNL: 8,80 € ; C : 4,51 € (5,80 CUC) ; SP : 5,65 € ; GB : 14,83 € (11,60 £) ;
For all smokers SP : 8 € ;GB : 16,69 € (15,40 £) ; CH : 7,70 € (9,30 FS)
I : 10,50 € ; P: 9 €; CH : 9,11 € (11 FS) For all smokers
AAA For experienced smokers
AA
This little corona for any AAAA
occasion doesn’t offer up The Petit Coronas seems
much pre-light, aside After having offered up rather outmoded in the
from a few feeble earthy a few spicy notes current Cuban cigar
touches. The start also pre-light, this recent market. After a perfectly
leaves a lot to be desired: Romeo offers up a gentle ordinary start, the flavors
it is spicy but soon calms start with touches of lack depth and
down, letting in flavors fresh hazelnut and consistency with a mix of
of leather and humus followed by sawdust and earth dust.
mushroom. The smoke is precious wood and hints After the first third, a few
thick and full-bodied. of dark cocoa. The toasted flavors develop.
The Cuban terroir is strength is stable, it The smoke is linear and
quite marked, with notes burns perfectly and the the finish lacks energy,
of pepper, leather, and smoke is very pleasant. and can be slightly acidic
suint. The progression is The finish is also and bitter. Devoid of
gradual but the aftertaste coherent, supple and interest.
(coffee in the finish) is dynamic. Without being
perfect. A classic smoke. overwhelming, this is a
very well rolled,
measured and efficient
cigar.

ROMEO Y JULIETA
Romeo y Julieta Romeo y Julieta

Petit Julietas Regalias de Londres
100 mm × 30 (11,91 mm) 117 mm × 40 (15,87 mm)
Mini-panatella (entreactos) Petit corona (coronitas)
F : 3,90 € ; D : 4,40 € ; AND : 2,60 € ; F : 4 € ; D : 4,50 € ; AND : 2,84 € ;
BNL: 4€; C : 2,26 € (2,90 CUC) ; C : 2,26 € (2,90 CUC) ; I : 4,60 € ;
SP : 3 € ; GB : 7,54 € (5,90 £) ; P : 4,50 € ; CH : 4,14 € (5 FS)
P : 4,10 € ; CH : 4,31 € (5,20 FS) For all smokers
For all smokers
AAA
AA
Easy to light, this
Rustic-looking (a veined habano immediately
and slightly toothy produces tasty smoke,
wrapper), the Petit with flavors of walnut,
Julietas opens the ball a pepper and fresh peat.
little sharply: the first The strength builds with
puffs are harsh and increasing toasted
heavy, before the cigar aromas. The wood and
settles down. The flavors spices (pepper) become
then become earthy and more subtle. Overall, it’s
roasted. Overall, this is a never aggressive and is
full-bodied and dynamic quite well-paced. This
smoke with a good Regalias is modest but
aftertaste. Over in just a far from anonymous.
few puffs, this Romeo is Excellent with aperitif.
not very sophisticated
but he makes a good
impression nonetheless.

ROMEO Y JULIETA

Romeo de Luxe Romeo N° 1 Romeo N° 2
Édition limitée 2013 140 mm × 40 (15,87 mm) 129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
162 mm × Ø 20,64 mm Corona (cremas) Petit corona (petit coronas)
Grand robusto (capuleto) F : 5,90 € ; D : 6,70 € ; AND : 4,40 € ; F : 5,50 € ; D : 6,50 € ; AND : 3,96 € ;
F :16 € ; C : 9,61 € (12,65 CUC) ; BNL : 6,20 € ; C : 3,42 € (4,40 CUC) ; BNL : 5,80 € ; C : 3,03 € (3,90 CUC) ;
D : 16,90 € ; AND : 12 € ; SP : 5,90 € ; GB : 20,20 € (15,80 £) ; SP : 6,35 € ; GB : 17,13 € (13,40 £) ;
I : 15 € ; P : 19 € I : 7,20 €; P : 6,45 € ; I : 6,60 € ; P : 5,80 € ;
For experienced to very CH : 7,78 € (9,40 FS) CH : 5,96 € (7,20 FS)
experienced smokers For all smokers For all smokers
AAAA AA AAA
The cigar is very well The start is pleasant, The first puffs of this
built in its very smooth with dry earth and handsome Romeo,
and taught Colorado burned cocoa playing off colored by precious
maduro wrapper. each other. The cigar wood, fresh vegetal notes
It is densely filled and progresses smoothly with and spices, are very
pleasant to hold. The no major faults, but is pleasant. Medium
vitola is stocky but the somewhat monotonous. strength with flavors that
draw is good. It has a The finish tends to shift to roasted and
pre-light draw featuring overheat slightly. A quite earthy notes. The flavor
precious wood and forgettable, entry-level profile is OK but with no
spices. The first puffs are cigar. real depth. The Romeo
full-bodied and tranquil. N° 2 is a consistent but
Produces a good plume very predictable smoke.
of fragrant but sharp Friendly, good-natured,
smoke right from the and easy-going.
start. This habano gives
out notes of cedar and
dry leaves. It then
become rounder, with
notes of cocoa, humus,
and toasted hazelnut.
The finish is
sophisticated, persistent
and toasted. This Romeo
de Luxe is progressive
and expressive, and plays
a soft, deep and tasty
score.
.

ROMEO Y JULIETA

Romeo N° 3 Short Churchills Sport Largos
117 mm × 40 (15,87 mm) 124 mm × 50 (19,84 mm) 117 mm × 35 (13,89 mm)
Petit corona (coronitas) Robusto (robustos) Demi-tasse (sports)
F : 5 € ; D : 5,70 € ; AND : 3,50 € ; F : 10,80 € ; D : 10,30 € ; AND : 7,56 € ; F : 3,30 € ; D : 3,90 € ; AND : 2,46 € ;
BNL : 5,20 € ; C : 2,92 € (3,75 CUC) ; BNL : 11 € ; C : 5,41 € (6,95 CUC) ; BNL : 3,50 € ; C : 1,98 € (2,55 CUC) ;
SP : 4,80 € ; GB : 14,45 € (11,30 £) ; SP : 11 € ; GB : 21,48 € (16,80 £) ; I : 3,90 €
I : 6 € ; P : 5,30 € ; I : 11,50 € ; P : 12,40 € ; For all smokers
CH : 5,47 € (6,60 FS) CH : 11,92 € (14,40 FS)
For all smokers For experienced to very AA
experienced smokers
AAA A modest and carefully
AAAA rolled demi-tasse cigar.
The pre-light test of this The spicy touches from
N° 3 only reveals a hint Pleasant to look at, the the start soon dissipate.
of sawdust. But the start Short Churchills has a Full-bodied, the cigar
is full-bodied and pre-light draw featuring gives off earthy and
measured with notes of notes of peat and cocoa. woody flavors. The
wood, underbrush, and Quick and easy to light, strength builds during
white pepper. Overall, there are strong notes of the second third and the
after an astringent phase, cedar backed up by a cigar becomes more
it becomes pleasant hint of wet earth. The «nocturnal», with notes
(woody, liquorice, smoke is full-bodied. of humus and walnut,
pepper, and fern). This Essentially woody with before a fairly coarse
Romeo doesn’t have touches of pepper, this finish. One to watch...
much aftertaste and has habano is lacking a little
limited aromatic depth aromatic depth. Full
but it’s easy to smoke. At strength (too strong?)
this price, the quality and fast paced, the finish
level is perfectly is satisfying but lacks a
acceptable. little finesse. Not
recommended for fans of
mild and sophisticated
cigars.

SAINT LUIS REY
Romeo y Julieta SAINT LUIS Saint Luis Rey

Wide Churchills
130 mm × 55 (21,83 mm)
REY Double Coronas
194 mm × 49 (19,45 mm)
Gros robusto (montesco) Double corona
F : 13 € ; D : 11,10 € ; AND : 8,60 € ;
BNL : 12,40 € ; C : 5,83 € (7,50 CUC) ;
SP : 12,35 € ; GB : 28,12 € (22 £) ;
T his brand has seen better days.
Unfortunately, time is affecting
Saint Luis Rey. So enjoyable,
(prominentes)
C : 7,97 € (10,25 CUC)
I : 11,90 € ; P : 13,50 € ;
complex and exclusive yesterday,
CH : 12,59 € (15,20 FS) AAAA
For very experienced this label seems to be suffering from
smokers a loss of interest, a priority given to This superb double
more famous brands. Its short corona starts off smooth,
AAAAA catalog is barely surviving. The only sweet and mild. Precious
wood and hot mocha
The cold draw is an five-rings item, the exceptional and mingle for true smoking
explosion of fragrances: rare Double Coronas, trips this pleasure. The second
underbrush, humus, season. The other products are third of the cigar has
leather, precious wood, more backbone, without
and cocoa. Medium aligned. They have lost their being aggressive,
strength and well opulence and aromatic singularity. pumping out red pepper,
balanced from the outset, Let’s hope this drop doesn’t gain hints of toast and that
the cigar produces rich, steam. It would be a shame for this oh-so sophisticated, deep
meaty and creamy mocha flavor. A pity that
smoke, with notes of beautiful brand. the last third lowers the
cocoa, precious wood, bar, becoming a bit too
and toast. The overall Saint Luis Rey As far as the origin of the linear. A dash more
effect is soon brand’s name, there are two theories: it either character would make
sophisticated and comes from Thornton Wilder’s novel The Bridge Saint Luis Rey’s Double
persistent. The Romeo of San Luis Rey (published in 1927) or from the Coronas simply
then becomes rather village San Luis, one of the two most famous sensational!
macho, with notes of wet Vuelta Abajo terroir (the other one being San
earth, underbrush and Juan). Either way, Saint Luis Rey is a relatively
fresh hazelnut. The waltz new brand launched in 1938 at the request of
of flavors is timed to two British importers Michael Keyser and Nathan
perfection with Silverstone. In 1960, a contract is signed
precision-adjusted between Cuba and the Silverstone Company.
strength. One of the very The latter is granted an exclusive distribution
best Cuban cigars deal in England. The deal expires in 1990. From
around at the moment. then on, Saint Luis Rey is free to export anywhere
in the world. In the 80s, Cuba tried to introduce
a brand with a similar name, San Luis Rey, in
Germany. It created confusion and the second
brand vanished in 2000. Today, the Saint Luis
Rey catalog has only four vitolas left. The produc-
tion of the Churchills and Coronas was canceled
two years ago.

SAINT LUIS REY
Saint Luis Rey Saint Luis Rey Saint Luis Rey

Petit Coronas Regios Serie A
129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 127 mm × 48 (19,05 mm) 143 mm × 46 (18,26 mm)
Petit corona (marevas) Robusto (hermosos n° 4) Corona gorda
F : 6,60 € ; C : 2,68 € (3,45 CUC) F : 8,70 € ; D : 8,50 € ; AND : 6,16 € ; (coronas gordas)
For all smokers BNL : 9,20 € ; C : 4,63 € (5,95 CUC) ; F : 10,30 € ; AND : 6,60 € ;
P : 9,50 € ; CH : 10,10 € (12,20 FS) BNL : 10,40 € ; C : 4,90 € (6,30 CUC)
AAA For experienced smokers For experienced smokers
Getting this Saint Luis AAA AAAA

Rey going can sometimes
be a challenge. Very A promising and This habano’s pre-light
mild, it leaves plenty of flavorful cold draw on draw serves up a nice
room for grilled and this handsome Regios, vintage woody aroma; the
woody flavors. The Petit exuding hints of first puffs are smooth and
Coronas then fleshes out undergrowth and wet mild, sending out refined
nicely with a blend of vegetal. The cigar starts woody notes. The smoke
honey and dark off well-structured, even is subtle, but lacks a little
chocolate notes. It if we soon realize it’s no depth. In the second
becomes fairly creamy, powerhouse. Woody and third, the woody
but linear. This cigar spicy notes make a brief overtones are joined by
lacks backbone and appearance before taking wet earth and notes of
intensity. A bit more a back seat to earthy and toasted hazelnut. The
strength would allow the balsamic flavors. The last final third is balanced
flavors to express third disappoints, too despite a few traces of
themselves. An unstructured and bitter. bitterness. The Serie A is a
acceptable if slightly A decent smoke, but nice, enjoyable smoke,
apathetic smoke. lacking balance. even if it’s a little short on
complexity. A handsome
cigar which very likely
will improve with age.
One to watch.

SAN CRISTOBAL DE LA HABANA
SAN San Cristobal

de La Habana
San Cristobal
de La Habana
CRISTOBAL El Morro El Principe
DE LA 180 mm × 50 (19,84 mm)
Double corona (pacos)
110 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Très petit corona (minutos)
HABANA F : 15 € ; AND : 10,16 € ; BNL : 16 € ;
C : 8,67 € (11,15 CUC) ; SP : 15,90 € ;
F : 5,80 € ; AND : 3,80 € ;
BNL : 6,20 € ; C : 3,11 € (4 CUC) ;
GB : 30,94 € (24,20 £) SP : 4,85 € ; GB : 12,91 € (10,10 £) ;
T his brand disappoints. Where is its

former maestria? So promising
yesterday, San Cristobal de la Habana
AAA
I : 6,90 € ; P : 5,60 € ;
CH : 6,62 € (8 FS)
For all smokers
seems to be stalling. It didn’t live up This good-looking AAA

to the expectations of being the next double corona gives out
edgy brand in Cuba. Some items have pre-light notes of The production of El
caramel and dried leaves. Principe is too hit-and-
been canceled and the remaining The start is complicated: miss. It’s a shame,
ones barely reach an average. The the flavors (vegetal, wet because when this little
decline of the double Corona El peat) arrive in fits and corona is well rolled, you
starts. This habano still get a dynamic and lively
Morro and the very small Corona El manages to be well- smoke. It starts on
Principe symbolizes San Cristobal’s rounded and organic notes (humus,
fatigue. Although the habanos harmonious, yet undergrowth, dried
presented have some qualities, they somehow static. You leaves) then smooths out
keep waiting for that and piles on the pleasure.
are less visible and desirable than the extra punch. The last The result is one laid-
previous seasons. Help needed. third runs out of steam, back, easy to smoke
and sometimes feels habano. If only it were
San Cristobal unstructured due to the that good every time.
de La Habana Named after the Cuban occasional bite. Must do
capital’s former name, the brand was launched better.
in 1999 with four vitolas, all named after a fort.
Three formats have been discontinued: a drastic
cut for this modern and neat family.

SAN CRISTOBAL DE LA HABANA
San Cristobal San Cristobal

de La Habana de La Habana
La Fuerza La Punta
141 mm × 50 (19,84 mm) 140 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Robusto (gorditos) Figurado (campanas)
F : 12,10 € ; AND : 7,92 € ; F : 12 € ; AND : 7,80 € ;
BNL : 12,40 € ; C : 6,61 € (8,50 CUC) ; C : 5,95 € (7,65 CUC) ; ;
SP : 10,95 € ; GB : 25,69 € (20,10 £) ; GB : 23,91 € (18,70 £) ; P : 12,60 € ;
P: 12,50 € ; CH : 13,08 € (15,80 FS) CH : 13,25 € (16 FS)
For experienced smokers For experienced smokers
AAA AAA
On the cold draw, this This San Cristobal’s pre-
cigar whispers a few light profile features
hints of wood and oak undergrowth and gray
moss. The underbrush pepper. The first puffs
ambiance is confirmed are dynamic. Oily notes
by the first few drags. (hazelnut) intermingle
This San Cristobal is with hints of precious
smooth and subdued. woods. The smoke then
We keep waiting for becomes more full-
take-off, but it’s a no go. bodied. We detect cocoa,
The rest of the cigar is a pepper and dried fruits,
harmonious medley of but the flavors remain
woody, cocoa, and too strained. The result is
toasted flavors, yet these a lack of density and
aromas are depth. A good habano
underwhelming and nonetheless.
lackluster. A nice stick, Recommended.
relatively tasty but
uninspired. Give us some
backbone, complexity
and daring, please!

SANCHO PANZA
SANCHO Sancho Panza

PANZA Belicosos
140 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Figurado (campanas)
G ood standing and even light
progress for whatever is left of
this Cuban brand. Its catalog is tiny:
F : 11,80 € ; D : 10,60 € ; AND : 7,20 € ;
C : 5,64 € (7,25 CUC) ;
SP : 9,70 € ; GB : 22,37 € (17,50 £) ;
two cigars carry the torch for this I : 11,40 € ; P : 10,70 € ;
CH : 12,09 € (14,60 FS)
once prestigious label. The grades are
good: the Belicosos flirts with a fifth
ring and the Non Plus in rising. The AAAA
aromatic arc is round, appealing and
very tasty. We enjoy the reassuring This stick gives off pre-
light notes of dry wood
consistency while wondering about and spice. Easy to light
Sancho Panza’s future. A new up with a very loose
Robusto type vitola could boost its draw. As you work your
way into the Belicosos,
catalog. It would be a pity to allow you detect wet earth,
such a brand to slowly disappear. spices and hints of cocoa.
Don’t expect any
Sancho Panza Unlike 20th century glorious fireworks, but this
brands, Sancho Panza long suffered from its habano provides a good
obscure birth. It is mentioned for the first time dose of comfort and
in 1848 among numerous other now defunct pleasure. A few sweet
brands. Registered under the name Emilio baked notes make it even
Ohmstedt, a merchant from Germany who built more convivial and
its fortune in the import-export business, pleasant. This Sancho
Sancho Panza is austere and plain. The ring may lack aromatic
doesn’t have a vista and the label has been complexity and range,
mostly absent from the competition. In 1870, but it remains a well-
it discreetly ceded all control to the Salvador made, straightforward
Paret Company. Soon bankrupted, Salvador smoke.
Paret was subsequently forced to sell most
of its brands. Sancho Panza would have
disappeared entirely if Manuel Alonso (from
Muñoz, Alonso y Cía) hadn’t been determined
to resuscitate it. Bad luck is sometimes lasting.
The brand made a tentative comeback in the
early 20s. Ramón Allones acquired it and then
ceded it to the Cifuentes House, which in turn
sold it in 1931 to El Rey del Mundo. The jewels
Sanchos and Molinos were created around that
time. In the 50s, Santa Panza became the most
popular label in Spain. Its determination to
survive had finally paid off.

TRINIDAD
Sancho Panza TRINIDAD Trinidad

Non Plus Coloniales
129 mm × 42 (16,67 mm)
Petit corona (marevas)
F : 6,70 € ; D : 6,40 € ; AND : 3,98 € ;
T his historic label has known better
days. Trinidad used to cultivate
rarity, exception, exoticism and
132 mm × 44 (17,46 mm)
Corona (coloniales)
F : 12,80 € ; D : 11 € ; AND : 6,36 €;
BNL: 6,20; C : 3,38 € (4,35 CUC) ; BNL : 13,90 € ; C : 5,13 € (6,60 CUC) ;
aromatic depth. But lately, we can’t
SP : 5,35 € ; GB : 13,93 € (10,90 £) ; SP : 8,50 € ; GB : 19,94 € (15,60 £) ;
I : 6,80 € ; CH : 7,78 € (9,40 FS) help wondering what happened: I : 10,20 € ; P : 10,60 € ;
For all smokers prestigious cigars have been CH : 13,66 € (16,50 FS)
discontinued, the care given to the For experienced to very
AAAA emblematic Fundadores seems to experienced smokers
The pre-light draw on have fluttered. The petit corona Reyes AAAA
this little corona gives off lost it fifth ring. As a result, Trinidad
earthy notes. The initial no longer has a cigar at the top. The first puffs on the
impact packs a punch carefully rolled Coloniales
without knocking you What went wrong? With the are full-flavored and well-
out. A well-paced smoke newcomer Vigia, the label seeks to structured. The heavy
with notes of wet earth, reclaim an identity by positioning smoke satisfies in short
wood, and tea. The itself on the big formats market. To order. As you smoke
strength builds gradually, through this woody,
accented with an be continued… earthy habano, it picks up
occasional hint of spice. grilled and roasted tones.
The woody, earthy Trinidad For a long time small with only one The budding power
ambiance is rounded out cigar, the Fundadores, the brand evokes Trinidad, carries a dash of musk
with spicy (pepper) and the first Cuban city. For twenty years, only a (leather, suint) and
fresh hazelnut notes. It happy few had access to the legendary cigar: mushroom notes. In the
tones down to become a the Minrex’s (Cuban State Department) guests. last third, the body is
linear but very even Launched in 1969, the cigar was designed as a almost overpowering,
smoke at the end. A nice double to the Cohiba Lanceros. When it finally leaving the comfort zone
little Cuban to light up became wildly available in 1998, it didn’t garner and lessening the
with your coffee. the expected success. Lighter and tenderer than sophistication: delicate
the trendy cigars of the time, it embodied a lost palates beware! A virile
generation of habanos. Its high price confused Trinidad of the highest
the customers. In order to energize the label, order.
the Cuban government created three more
formats in 2004 with a slightly reinforced liga:
the Coloniales, the Reyes and the Robustos Extra.
A Limited Edition, the Short Robustos T, was
created in 2010. Unfortunately, these attempts
didn’t succeed in lifting the Pinar del Río-based
brand. Two cigars, the Robustos Extra and the
Robustos T were discontinued. However, a new
Robusto, the Vigia, was unexpectedly launched
this year.

TRINIDAD
Trinidad Trinidad Trinidad

Fundadores Ingenios Reyes
192 mm × 40 (15,87 mm) 2007 edition limited 110 mm × 40 (15,87 mm)
Grand panatella (laguito 167 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) Petit corona (reyes)
n° 1 especial) Lonsdale (cervantes) F : 8,50 € ; D : 7,60 € ; AND : 4,96 € ;
F : 17,60 € ; D : 20 € ; AND : 10,20 €; F : 18,60 € ; BNL : 20 € ; BNL : 9,50 € ; C : 3,58 € (4,60 CUC) ;
C : 8,48 € (10,90 CUC) ; SP : 16 € ; C : 9,96 € (12,80 CUC) ; SP : 6,70 € ; GB : 13,29 € (10,40 £) ;
GB : 33,49 € (26,20 £) ; GB : 33,75 € (26,40 £) I : 8,40 € ; P : 7,70 € ;
CH : 26,50 € (32 FS) For experienced smokers CH : 8,69 € (10,50 FS)
For very experienced For experienced to very
smokers AAA experienced smokers
AAAA This attractive habano AAAA

has an energetic start:
Very good-looking, the immediately full- Impeccably made, pre-
Fundadores, this strength and woody. The light the Reyes offers up
illustrious grand draw is excellent, and delightful earthy and
panatella, has a mellow serves up an attractive balsamic notes. The first
start. The flavors – flavor profile: the white puffs are supple and full-
wood, underbrush, and pepper is both luxurious bodied, producing spicy
humus – are delicate, and lush, the woody and woody notes. Then
the strength is perfect, notes (cedar) tickle the the flavor profile is
but the cigars tested palate. It’s a shame then boosted by roasted
lacked a little punch. that from the second fragrances and strong
Flavors of earth dust, third onwards it lacks hints of cocoa, making
red cedar, toasted depth: this Trinidad is the Reyes a very rich
hazelnut, a little cocoa, not sophisticated enough smoke. Unfortunately it
and a hint of honey. to magnify its flavors and tails off in the final third.
Well-balanced but with the smoke is too The finish is
no real panache, the uniform. A little rough disconcerting: this
Fundadores is worth and harsh in the final habano lacks depth and
trying again soon third. Plenty strong the flavors are
though. enough but deserved a adulterated. One to
little more depth and watch.
elegance.

VEGAS ROBAINA
Trinidad VEGAS
Vigia
110 mm × 54 (21,43 mm)
ROBAINA
Robusto (torres)
F : 12,50 € ; I : 11,20 € ;
CH : 13,25 € (16 FS)
M algré deux cigares à la hausse,
l’Unicos et le Famosos, lequel
retrouve ainsi sa cinquième
bague, Vegas Robaina suscite
AAA quelques interrogations : le
Pre-light, this robusto catalogue se réduit et le beau double
offers up touches of corona Don Alejandro qui se contente
leather and dust. The d’un vague surplace en milieu de
start is full of character,
tableau écope d’ un coup de gueule
with rich flavors of
pepper and leather. In cette année. Autant dire que le bilan
the next third is stronger, apparaît mitigé. Le label continue
tending to mask the malgré tout à cultiver une jolie
flavor profile, which is
limited to woody and couleur aromatique et une
earthy hints. The final esthétique appétissante. Cette
third becomes even marque jeune, qui n’avait cessé
stronger and the habano jusque-là de nous surprendre et de
is too dense and
completely lacking in progresser, marquerait-elle un peu le
enjoyment. This cigar pas ? À suivre.
chooses strength over
sophistication, but it
undeniably has a lot of Vegas
potential. One to watch. Robaina Alejandro Robaina, le plus célèbre
des vegueros cubains, qui a donné
son nom à la marque Vegas Robaina, est mort
à La Havane le 17 avril 2010. Lancées en juin
1997 en Espagne, les cinq premières vitoles
portant son nom ont fait leur entrée sur le
marché français en septembre 1998. Petit-fils,
fils, père et grand-père de tabaqueros, Alejandro
Robaina avait hérité de la finca familiale de San
Luis – où la famille s’était installée en 1845 –,
Cuchillas de Barbacoa, une petite propriété de
dix-huit hectares que l’État agrandit en offrant
à don Alejandro une dizaine d’hectares supplé-
mentaires. Paradoxe de la situation : Cuba, pays
socialiste, avait voulu ainsi rendre hommage
aux vegueros privés qui constituent l’ossature
de la production de tabac. La famille Robaina,
qui s’est spécialisée dans la culture de feuilles
de cape sous tapados, obtient des résultats
uniques. Plus de 70% de sa production est agréée
pour l’exportation, alors que la plupart des fincas
dépassent rarement les 20 ou 30 %. C’est
aujourd’hui Irochi, le petit-fils d’Alejandro, qui
gère la propriété.

VEGAS ROBAINA
Vegas Robaina Vegas Robaina Vegas Robaina

Don Alejandro Familiar Famosos
194 mm × 49 (19,45 mm) 142 mm × 42 (16,67 mm) 127 mm × 48 (19,05 mm)
Double corona Corona (coronas) Robusto (hermosos n° 4)
(prominentes) F : 10,40 € ; C : 4,40 € (5,65 CUC) ; F : 9,90 € ; D : 9,90 € ; AND : 7,16 € ;
F : 16,50 € ; D : 16,90 € ; AND : 11,96 € ; SP : 8,40 € ; GB : 18,28 € (14,30 £) BNL : 10,40 € ; C : 4,20 € (5,40 CUC) ;
BNL : 17,60 € ; C : 7,47 € (9,60 CUC) ; For experienced smokers SP : 10,15 € ; GB : 20,20 € (15,80 £) ;
SP : 16,75 € ; GB : 34,39 € (26,90 £) ; Discontinued I : 9,80 € ; P : 10,60 € ;
I : 16,20 € ; P : 18,70 € ; CH : 11,26 € (13,60 FS)
CH : 19,71 € (23,80 FS) AAAA For experienced smokers
This corona starts off fairly slowly. The AAAAA
AAA first puffs are neutral before becoming
more balsamic. Little by little, the cigar
reveals hints of coffee, roasted cocoa
beans, spices, and a little precious wood. Pre-light, this attractive
Pre-light, this splendid Well-paced and full-bodied, with very robusto boasts generous
double corona is well measured strength. A nice, smooth vegetal and woody,
pleasant, with earthy and rhythm. Nice aftertaste although slightly earthy and sweet notes.
vegetal notes. The start is short. A very good smoke. The start is full-bodied.
understated. The flavors The flavors are creamy,
are vegetal first of all, combining spices, and
then more and more cocoa. As it progresses,
roasted with a hint of the Famosos becomes
fresh spices. Don smoother and mellow.
Alejandro is Sophisticated, even if the
sophisticated but he finish is a tad aggressive,
doesn’t have much to say with balsamic notes.
and he soon becomes Perfectly balanced
monotonous and boring. strength and
We expect more impeccable construction:
complexity and body! a magnificent cigar.
Bravo!

VEGUEROS
Vegas Robaina VEGUEROS Vegueros

Unicos Entretiempos
156 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Figurado (piramides)
T he rebirth of Vegueros was loudly
announced last year but was only
recently made available in cigar
110 mm × 52 (20,64 mm)
Robusto (petit edmundo)
F : 13,80 € ; D : 13 € ; AND : 9 € ; BNL : 14 € F : 6,90 € ; D : 6,90 € ; BNL : 6,20 € ;
C : 5,64 € (7,25 CUC) ; shops. It was about time! The three I : 5 € ; P : 6,40 € ;
SP : 12,70 € ; GB : 27,23 € (21,30 £) ; CH : 6,62 € (8 FS)
reasonably priced and easy to smoke
I: 12,80 € ; P : 14 € ; For all smokers
CH : 15,24 € (18,40 FS) items are doing well: the
For experienced smokers Entretiempo Robusto is well above AAAA
average; so is the Mañanitas small
AAAA Figurado. The corona gorda Tapados’s Pre-light, this well-rolled
robusto offers up notes
This Unicos starts rise is worth noticing. In spite of a of barnyard and hay. The
smoothly, with pleasant small catalog and a relative start is slightly harsh.
notes of cocoa and obscurity, Vegueros cultivates its Organic notes surge out
sophisticated woody before the wood and the
hints. The overall effect image with persistence. underbrush appear. As
is sophisticated, almost the cigar progresses, the
creamy. The next third Vegueros Originally made in Pinar del Rio Vegueros becomes more
becomes slightly for tourists who visited the manufacture, this intense, but remains
strained, with the flavor brand started rising in 1996 thanks to a Canadian well-balanced. Pleasant
profile shifting towards exporter. First tied in bundles and rolled in a tinges of cocoa appear.
vigorous woody notes. palm leaf, Vegueros are then presented wrapped Increasingly strong, the
Full-strength with in a box, according to exportation rules. It isn’t cigar’s finish is a bit
fragrant smoke boasting enough to make them successful. The discreet disappointing, but that’s
organic notes and superb cigars might be too rustic and outmoded. They our only criticism for
hints of mocha in the haven’t found an audience. Thus the Cuban this habano, which is a
finish. Satisfying and government has decided to modify the label by great smoke otherwise.
bold, you can really taste creating three new formats with a thicker liga
Cuba in this top quality presented in a more modern box.
cigar. The construction
seems a little too
inconsistent however.

VEGUEROS
Vegueros Vegueros
Mañanitas Tapados
100 mm × 46 (18,26 mm) 120 mm × 46 (18,26 mm)
Petit figurado Corona gorda
(mareva gruesa) (mareva gruesa)
F : 5,50 € ; D : 4,70 € ; BNL : 4,50 € ; F : 6,50 € ; D : 6,20 € ; BNL : 6 € ; I : 4,60 €
I : 4,60 € ; P : 4,25 € ; P : 5,80 €
CH : 4,55 € (5,50 FS) CH : 6,21 € (7,50 FS)
AAAA AAA
Launched last year, this This unattractive
petit figurado starts of Tapados offers up hints
energetically. Medium of humus and wet earth
strength with notes of on the cold draw. The
wood and underbrush. start is full-bodied and
The cigar then becomes smooth (notes of lichen,
smoother and creamy salted butter caramel,
with hints of spice, and hints of pepper).
toasted hazelnut, and a Then the cigar becomes
few touches of cocoa. We stronger, but retains a
like its rhythm and its good range of flavors.
spirit. Not exceptionally The final third is a bit
full-flavored but good feeble, with an
body! inconsistent flavor
profile and an aggressive
finish. An excellent
Vegueros… until the
final third. Good value
for money. THE TASTING COMMITTEE
Chaired by Jean-Alphonse Richard
Arthur Adam, Jacques Chevalier,
Alban Cordier, Philippe Dupont,
Jean-Paul Kauffmann, Una Liuktus,
Gabriel Valentin.
CREDITS
Director of publication : Seth Martin
Editor in chief : Seth Martin
Art director : Quentin Préau
Digital editor : Hélie Valat
Circulation manager :
Aurélien Honoré
a.honore@internationalamateurdecigare.com
Advertising : Arnaud Amiard :

+33 (0)671239194
Translation : Matthew Eden,
Armelle Vincent
Editorial staff : +33 (0)145871488
The International Amateur de Cigare

is published by Diadema Prod Inc
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THE PANEL’S CHOICE

TASTING OVERVIEW POR LARRAÑAGA

COHIBA QUAI D’ORSAY

DIPLOMATICOS RAFAEL GONZALEZ

EL REY DEL MUNDO RAMON ALLONES

FONSECA ROMEO Y JULIETA

H.UPMANN SAINT LUIS REY

HOYO DE MONTERREY SAN CRISTOBAL

JUAN LOPEZ SANCHO PANZA

LA FLOR DE CANO TRINIDAD

LA GLORIA CUBANA VEGAS ROBAINA

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PRICE AND AVAILABILITY IN EACH COUNTRY

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thumbs down 2015

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Bolivar Bolivar Bolivar

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Bolivar Bolivar Bolivar

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Cohiba Cohiba Cohiba

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Cohiba Cohiba Cohiba

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Cohiba COHIBA LINEA 1492 Cohiba

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Cohiba Cohiba Cohiba

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Cohiba COHIBA Cohiba Maduro 5

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Cohiba Maduro 5 Cohiba Maduro 5 COHIBA

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Cohiba Behike Cohiba Behike Cohiba Behike

AAAA A AAAA A AAAA

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CUABA Cuaba Cuaba

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Cuaba Cuaba Cuaba

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Cuaba Cuaba Cuaba

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EL REY DEL MUNDO El Rey del Mundo

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Fonseca Fonseca Fonseca

24 The International Amateur de Cigare

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26 The International Amateur de Cigare

H. Upmann H. Upmann H. Upmann

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H. Upmann H. Upmann H. Upmann

28 The International Amateur de Cigare

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The International Amateur de Cigare 29

30 The International Amateur de Cigare

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